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Well, if you are human I would read this, because getting the best information for having a proper diet is of the up most importance for kidney disease. Fortunately, there are a lot of good books available that have an up to date plan.

What is the most popular diet for kidney disease?

Out of all the books available the one that stands out the most is Kidney Diet Secrets. It was written by a registered nurse named Racheal Gordon. She compiled one of the most thorough books for people who suffer from kidney disease. She has over 10 years experience in the subject of renal disease.

What is in the book Kidney Diet Secrets?

A full one week diet menu

Over 100 different recipes for people who suffer from this condition

How to battle the symptoms of fatigue, muscle cramps, and loss of appetite

How to get relief from nausea, itching, bruising, and poor breathing

Emergency techniques that every patient most know

How diabetes changes your approach to fighting the disease

What to do to battle anemia

How to manage pain

Frequently Asked Questions

QUESTION:
When is Mental & physical health education going to be updated in the R.O.I, (In relation to Tourist info)?
The government should provide proper information on physical and mental health in the Republic Of Ireland.

I am totally disgusted that they have not done this, especially with the great advances in science and social science at the moment.

It would save the Government large amounts of money if they tacked these problems face on. It would also help lots of people who suffer from mental or physical illnesses.

If you talk to people in the social industry they will tell you that there is a cure for most mental illness, if caught on time.

As long as a person have a will and strong family& friend support anything is possible in my opinion.

If you read snob articles then you would be well aware that the information is out there. It just needs to be applied properly and efficiently.

Of course most people cannot read such articles, because they are plastered with stupid ridiculously large words and Technical jargon.

How horrid that mostly only the privileged can read this information. Some people of course share their knowledge. Others do not.

Anyway, most mental illness can be tackled if found on time.

So why is it that they do not provide sufficient information to the people? It makes me sick to think that so many people get lost in our modern society.

Even thing like dyslexia, which is a sign of creativity, is shown as a weakness here.

The teachers try their best. But they simply do not have the Government support. Many good teachers have helped people with dyslexia and number blindness.
Now with the cuts of late how will our society tackle these upcoming problems?

Why does the Government let people suffer for no reason?
These problems could be tackled and should be tackled.

Also, things such as basic physical health are not being made aware.

I.e.

-for a women the importance of wearing the correct bra.
-Looking after your teeth and basic diet.
-Kidney infections
-and so fort.

Anyway, I think that if the government put a lot of money into these things, they would save money in the long run.

They would also make our society a better place to live in.

Why is there not enough information out there to tackle these upcoming major problems in our society? Surely people deserve to be Happy and not be mentally ripped to pieces.

People deserve to know what is the best way to upkeep their physical health also.

Cheers for the answers.

ANSWER:
you are very correct CG with your analysis of the Irish governments attitude to our health.

What I dont understand is that we have a state owned TV station which (as another asker pointed out, currently produces drivel) could be used as the medium for such info, but instead we wait years for the leaflet in the letterbox. Everyday most of our population sits in front of RTE for some time at least. Why not address the population directly? look us in the eye and say it like it is?

I’m 42 and a workmate of mine is recovering from the removal of his prostate gland (cancer). I was stunned by how many of the lads in work are completely ignorant of the danger to them that prostate cancer poses, or actually even how to keep a regular check on their health. but they all watch TV!! They all could be educated in between their favorite shows (or on the show, perhaps). Instead the overdue leaflet goes into the green bin with all the rest of the spam.

Time for CHANGE CG!!

QUESTION:
Is the special k diet good for your kidneys?
Over the past year i have had issues with my kidneys, i have one that only works 20% and have been suffering from re-occuring infections. I have not had any infections for the past 3 months but since starting the special k two week challenge a week ago im having all of the symptoms! Could this be the reason? Should i stop this diet ?

ANSWER:
The ONLY diet that’s good for your kidneys is one that contains mostly raw, natural foods like fruits, nuts, whole grains, and vegetables. Man made foods don’t even come close to providing the nutrition we need. How do I know this? I’m diabetic and found the solution in my grocer’s produce section. I haven’t taken any medication at all in over two months. My doctor can’t believe my numbers. Cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose…. all normal. Who would have thought?

QUESTION:
i love sweet tea i drink it everyday even after i hot kidney infection…is it bad for me?
i have been on and off kidney infections since i was like 4 or 5 im now 16 ive always drinked tea but last year i ended up in the hospital because of a kidney infection part of my diet was no caffeine but i cant live without tea i drink it everyday all day i love all types of sweet teas hot n cold but i think its too much caffeine n sugar i knw kidneys are important i dont wanna mess them up but im addicted to tea what should i do??

QUESTION:
The doctor put me on a light to liquid diet for the stomach flu, it may be a kidney infection, should I change
I went to the doctor this morning because I had been throwing up since 4am. I was also very achy, but I did not have a fever at the time. I mentioned to my doctor that I was concerned about the possibility of it being a kidney infection, because that was exactly what it felt like the first time I had one. She ran a urinalysis and sad that it was a possibility, but they would need to do a culture to find out more; I won’t know the results of that until Saturday, She technically diagnosed me with a stomach flu but gave me the Rx for the kidney infection just in case. At 11am she gave me a shot to kill the nausea, and put me on a 3 day light to liquid diet. I couldn’t have anything for the 1st 6 hours and then just clear liquids and jello. Now I am no longer nauseas and I can keep down water, something I could not do before, but I feel more achy, tired, and a fever of 101. I called my doctor and she said I could start the Rx if I wanted, since previously she had not thought if was a…
kidney infection because I did not have a fever. My husband is at the store filling my Rx right now, but my question is this:

Since I believe it could be a kidney infection and I am no longer nauseas do I need to stay on the liquid diet? Its too late to call my doctor at this point. Thank you!

ANSWER:
ok, since your on a liquid diet any way try and do things that are good for your kidneys. if its an infection your probably in need of flushing them out so drink lots, and since cranberry juice is good for your kidneys drink some of that. i recall when i was in the hospital for some urinary issues there was a diet on the menu for renal patients that can be found here

http://www.peacehealth.org/kbase/topic/special/tv7852spec/sec1.htm

hope this helps and that you feel better soon !!!!

QUESTION:
I know my kidneys are scarred and damaged. Do I have chronic kindey disease?
Hi I am 29 and I have had kidney damage for over 4 years. My left kidney is the one that’s scarred and damaged. I have kidney infection every 2-3 months if I take care of myself by drinking lots of water. My kidney function test showed that they are still functioning normally at this point. I also have liver disease and hypothyroid.. although my thyroid probably has nothing to do with it. I am getting tested to see if I have bladder reflux. I think thats what it’s called. I always have protein in my urine also.

What I am wondering is: Is kidney damage the same thing as kidney disease?
Because I need to know if I need to follow the kidney diease diet or not. My doctor says I don’t but I fell much worse if I eat processed foods or drink pop. I drink about 64oz of water each day and some cranberry juice every week. Any help would be appreciated!!
Okay thanks for the response. I have permanent kidney dmage due to too many kidney infections. I’ve had this for 4 years. It’s irreversible as I said the left one is damaged I have had blood tests as well as been to radiology for some tests.
As far as the liver goes I had lost 30% of the finction of my liver when it was diagnossed. I have permanent liver damage also. It’s from an overdose of tylenol (about 300) and about 200 other pills. Yes I was ill but because I was in a coma 4 days before being taken to the hospital my liver couldn’t be saved.

So both are permanently damaged I know for a fact. What I want to know is: “Is kidney damage the same as kidney disease?”
Thanks

ANSWER:
There are two blood tests that check for kidney
damage: creatinine and Bun (blood urea nitrogen)…If these are in normal range…then
there is a could chance that the kidneys will
heal. Protein in the urine is not good however.
Protein checked by a urine test, doesn’t show up
much unless the kidney has been damaged.

You said you have liver disease but do not
mention what caused it. The kidneys are
second in line to fail after the liver fails. The
reason for this is because the toxins that
the liver no longer handles, the kidneys try
to dispose of and it taxes the kidneys sometimes
beyond what they are able to handle. This only
occurs when the liver is damaged to the point
that the cells have started to die and form
scar tissue inside the liver…also known as
cirrhosis. Hypothyroid trouble can also be
connected to the liver problem.

There is acute kidney disease and chronic
kidney disease. Acute means that it may
comes and then leave, chronic means that
it is ongoing. Damage to the kidneys, to
me, means that it is a disease. But, the
problem with the kidneys may be only a
result of another problem you already have
had and that is the liver problem. Once the
liver problem clears up…the kidneys may
return to normal also. Infections can occur
in many people with no damage to the kidneys
because of using antibiotics to fight it off.

Most people who are having problems with
their kidneys are told to limit the amount of
sodium, potassium, phosphorus in their diets.
Sodas have alot of phosphorus and
processed food contain alot of sodium.
However, a certain amount must be maintained
in the body since sodium and potassium are
needed for the heart to beat in rhythm and
for water retention. It is best to get the
advice from your doctor about what you stated
here. He has your blood work and can tell
you what you should or should not do.
He can tell you if there are any limits to the
amount of Sodium, potassium, phosphorus or
proteins you should be taken in or refer
you to a nutritionist. He can also inform you
how much fluid you should drink a day.
Most people who have had kidney stones are
told to drink alot…but too much fluid can also
overwhelm the kidneys if they have liver problems also. In cirrhosis of the liver,
sodium is retained in the body by this disease
and fluids have to be adjusted accordingly, to
keep things in balance.

Sorry that I cannot be of more help…just
giving you some things to think about and
maybe discuss with your doctor.

QUESTION:
What are some natural remedies and diet tips for my cat’s kidney disease?
My cat, 6 yrs old, could possibly have kidney failure (it might be a bladder infection but I won’t find out for another 2 weeks after antibiotics); he’s still energetic and doesn’t show any signs of illness. Ironically I have kidney disease as well and am using natural remedies like dandelion root tea and other herbs. Wheatgrass has also improved my health a lot. I am wondering these herbs would apply to cats as well?

Does anyone have any suggestions for diet (should it be homemade)? I’ve been doing research and they all say low salt, but some sites say good high quality protein while others say low protein. And should I stop using the chemical Frontline (flea medicine) on my cat?

Also, where on my cat are his kidneys located?

Thanks!

ANSWER:
First off…the kidneys are located just past the send of the rib cage on both sides…the right kidney is slightly closer to the front of the cat. Frontline Plus doesn’t go into the animals system, so it will have no effects on the kidneys…so don’t stop using it. I wouldn’t reccomend any “natural remedies” without consulting your vet…cats and people can very different recations to plants…and a lot of plats can be nephrotoxic (toxic to the kidneys) in cats!

A diet wont help kidney failure until bloodwork confirms Azotemia…this means the that BUN and CREATINIE are elevated. So unless this has been confirmed by your vet, changing the diet wont help. However, if Azotemia is confirmed, then a low protein/low phospherous diet is highly recomended. The protein that is in the kidney diets is a high quality one. Several brands make kidney diets…. Purina NF, Royal Canin/IVD modified….Hill’s K/D….. Royal Canin Renal LP….. However, they are by prescription only, so you have to get them from your vet. If you are interested in making your own diet, you can contact UC Davis, and for a small fee, they will formulate a diet you can cook at home specificaly for your cats needs….

I’m not sure why its going to take so long to confirm that your cat has kidney disease…a simple blood test should confirm if the kidney values are normal or not.

Good Luck!

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=572

http://www.felinecrf.com/

QUESTION:
Can I crash diet for a short amount of time, without damaging my kidneys?
My mom has end-stage renal failure. She’s on the transplant list, and I am her “potential” donor. To the doctors surprise I match six of the six genetic markers they look for and have no conflicting antibodies. This makes rejection very unlikely, as close to a perfect match as possible. I went in for testing and was found completely healthy enough for the surgery…except of course being a fat @$$, or in medical terms over-weight. Over the last year I have lost 50 pounds, and only have 15 more to be a healthy weight. But my mom has developed serious complications with her arm cath; blood is pooling in her hand, arm and chest due to scarring from the perm cath she had before and the restricting of the cath she has now. The arm and hand are in danger of infection and gangrene. The choices are to remove it and put in the perm cath again for more scarring close to the heart, with my mom’s predisposition for blood clots; or getting a new kidney.
I tried to get the last 15 lbs waved for medical expediency, but my “team” wouldn’t budge. Now I know that that’s why I have my own “team” as a donor, to look out for my own health. If I had been 30, I wouldn’t be here and my mom would have a kidney; but I’m twenty and over-weight. So I am stuck between a rock and a hard place. I shouldn’t have gotten myself into this position in the first place, but I’m here and working on it.
So my question is if I crash diet for two weeks, will it cause serious damage to my kidneys? I know that crash diets are awful and shouldn’t be tried at all, but I got to lose that 15. I’ve hit a plateau in my healthy diet and exercise program, and even if I hadn’t it would take another two or three months.
The doctors want to have that cath surgery done within the month, month and a half at the most. So I want to go on a crash diet and a rigorous exercise boot camp, but don’t want to hand over a damaged kidney for my troubles. Will a two week crash diet land my organs in trouble, or is there a safer way to lose 15 pounds in a month? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

P.S. Yes I have talked to my “team” about this, but their prerogative is moi. They don’t recommend it and say it is only possible that damage may occur and the weight gain after could make me lose all progress I have made with my weight. But it’s my mom, and her need is greater than mine.

ANSWER:
Crash dieting = starvation mode = no weight lose.

Best to eat 1,200 calories and exercise for about an hour or two a day.

Add in weights, for example, running with ankle weights.

Eat 30% of your food from protein

Keep carbs to 130 or LESS.

QUESTION:
Have you ever used ALLI the new diet pill, did it work?
I took it for 5 months and didn’t loose a single pound. I stopped taking them because it gave me a really bad kidney infection. Has anyone expierence this ?

ANSWER:
alli has SO many things wrong with it.
if its not taken EXACTLY directed including the work outs and diet plans NO CHEATING it will not work.
it is VERY common to give people liver, kidney and ANAL problems.
the most common is anal leakage.
it doesnt work very well… even if people didnt have all these problems while taking it, they would have had more success just working out or cutting the sweets.

im sorry this happend to you.
i wanted to try alli but i did a lot of research on it and im glad i found out what i did because it really saved me a lot of problems.

QUESTION:
My friend is addicted to Diet Pepsi?
Last summer she had to go to the hospital and they told her she had a kidney infection. She apparently didn’t learn her lesson because she drinks as many cans as she can a day. Everybody (including me) keeps telling her to drinks less and drink some water, but she just gets mad and says she doesn’t like water. Should I be worried for her health? Can anything major happen if she continues like this? Any good websites to convince her? Thank you so much.

ANSWER:
Atleast she doesn’t have a Coke problem.

QUESTION:
I was Diagnosed with a Kidney Infection when I went in complaining about my Knee?
I went to see this chiropractor who was recommended by my parents coworkers(I’m only 15) and he ran some tests. He uses alternative Chinese medicine as well.

He was pretty amazing. He was like putting pressure on my legs and at one point my ribcage. It hurt like crazy, but after all of it, my knees felt amazingly better.

His diagnosis: a kidney infection requires the energy of the body, so it has caused weakened muscles overall and therefore, when your son tries to go running, he hurts kis knee(torn meniscus)

He reocmmeded eating chicken feet, beef tendon(for the colagen), diet free of sugar(to fight off the kidney infection since apparently the bacteria feed on sugar)

I’m not sure if this guy is crazy or correct..

ANSWER:

QUESTION:
Is diet ocean spray cranberry 10 ounce bottles just as good for urinart tract infections as regular ocean spra?
The ocean spray diet cranberry from concentrate as effective as cranberry juice for urinary tract infections and kidney problems?

ANSWER:
Water, cranberry juice, and over-the-counter medications such as AZO can all help alleviate the pain and discomfort of a urinary tract infection but none will effectively “cure” an active infection, especially if it involves the kidneys.

If you have a urinary tract infection/pain in the kidneys, etc. you need to see a doctor and get a proper course of antibiotics to treat the problem.

Drinking plenty of water and adding cranberry juice to your diet can help ward off future infections but if you already have one, see your doctor before the problem worsens, this can be dangerous if left untreated.

QUESTION:
Instead of Hills G/D Prescription Diet for my cats, what is the best cat food available @ reasonable cost?
My cats were brought up on dry Science Diet. Then, one of my cats was placed on Nutro Weight Management and after a year had a kidney fail. The Vet put her on K/D Prescription diet then when she developed a bladder infection and other issues changed her to G/D Prescription diet. I’m not convinced that this is the right food for my cats. And I believe that they should have more protein! Thanks for any insight!

ANSWER:
I made the HUGE MISTAKE of feeding all my pets Science Diet over the past 20 plus years too, I was so blind!! After coming on here and reading posts about cats and food and protein mainly from the KEN poster, I wised up, again do research with what you read here like I did, you will be come wiser and have healthier pets! I often wonder if my love kitty Alex wouldn’t have suffered from Inflammatory Bowel Disease if I had feed her higher protein food!!? She has since passed I miss her so!! NOW my diabetic Cat’s blood sugar went down over 200 points by a food change, it was hard and I had to balance her insulin and check her blood sugar 2-3 or more times a day but I am happy to say she is taking a LOT LESS insulin now, and that makes me happy. Her system just couldn’t digest all those grains/carbs!! Anyway GOOD LUCK

QUESTION:
Pyrenees Mountain Dog, HUGE WEIGHT LOSS, possible kidney disease, best diet?
Our Pyr is now 3 years old and we’ve had so many problems with him, bless him. We only had Benji for a few days when he started to have seizures. To cut a long story short after spending nigh on £7,000 at the local vets, vetinary hospital A&E and intensive care they still didn’t know what was causing the seizures and other problems (anemic, irregular blood cells and so on). Anyway, after the first year and half of his life on medication he seemed to stabilise and as the seizures stopped he no longer required the medication. Benji was then a relatively “normal” Pyr (apart from aenimic and sensitive stomach).

However, the last few months he’s had dramatic weight loss and is now suspected of having kidney disease (still undergoing tests). He was never a big Pyr after all the problems he had when he was a puppy, but over the last few months he went from 41kg down to 32kg. With plenty of antibiotics and change of diet etc. he has gained a massive 5kg in the last month so he’s back up to 37kg now. We’re waiting for more test results so we know whether it is kidney failure of a severe infection. I asked the vet as to what dry food is the best for a dog like Benji with all his problems, and he didn’t really give me a solid recommendation. Benji’s always had a fairly sensitive stomach, so wet dog food isn’t really an option as it causes chronic diareah and makes him even more lethergaic. We changed to Royal Canin (large adult) just before his weight gain which I think has helped.

Would anyone recommend to keep on using this?

Advice needed from a distressed and concerned Pyr owner

ANSWER:

QUESTION:
Good and Bad Dog Foods?
I notice I get a lot of thumbs down when I tell about my bad experience with a high protein diet. My dog had a kidney infection that I didn’t know about and months of high protein aggravated his ailing kidneys to the point of near renal failure.

Now I know some people are huge advocates of *their* brand, but is it so bad that it just doesn’t work out for some dogs? We all know not every food is good for every dog.

On top of that, most people are quick to put down foods like Eukanuba and Purina, but I just have to add that some of the top show dogs in the US and Canada live and obviously THRIVE on brands of food that people here consider *bad*.

Is a food BAD if a dog does wonderfully on it?
My dogs are on Blue Buffalo.

And yes the kidney infection went unnoticed because there were no symptoms. No pain, no smelly urine, nothing, until the high protein was added.

I’m not saying EVO is bad for EVERYONE, but it didn’t work for US.

ANSWER:
no a food is not bad if a dog does good on it but brands like Purina one use chemically enhanced ingredients unlike wellness and blue, I would rather feed my dog blue or wellness because of the health factor and the ingredients, them foods all use real food for there ingredients instead of the chemically enhanced ingredients and my dog is not a show dog but looking at him you would think he was. And just because someone has a show dog does not mean they are feeding them the best food out there, a show dog is just that a show dog, judges don’t care what food they are being feed so the people that do have show dogs should stop being so arrogant about it. And actually the best diet and food to feed and animal is the raw diet!.

QUESTION:
Hello. My cat Mickey has been on a hills k/d diet for early signs of kidney disease for a year.?
Now his back legs are weak. We had a blood test done and all is normal except calcium his high. The vet thinks its cancer, actually she set on it being cancer. X-rays show no tumors, but bowels seem a little enlarged, he still has a healthy appetite and drinks plenty of water. Also he is currently being treated for a sinus infection. Should I get another test done and a second opinion. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

ANSWER:
I would get a second opinion. It cant hurt!

Good Luck

QUESTION:
My sister kidney, one is got infection, need advice!?
I need advice and maybe some answer, my sister (12) has a kidney infection and the doctor said that the kidney functions is about 24% / 70% (i don’t really understand) and said it’s ok to keep the kidney and as long she took the medication.

What i want to ask is, what the drawback with only one kidney is fully functioning for the long term period? and what are the diet for the patient? coz i’m really really worried about her….. please give advise so i could take care my sister in correct way and hopefully the other kidney is ok!

Regards,

Ronald
She is not feeling any pain, the infection just cause her to unable to control her pee when she is a sleep, and she is from the outside just look perfectly healthy 12 yo girl

ANSWER:
The test is a renal function test which determines how the kidneys are working; if they are working. It should be 50% function for each kidney so this means that your sister’s one kidney is doing most of the work. People can live healthy lives with one kidney without a problem. After the infection is cleared, it may work more efficiently and it may not. This may be something that she was born with and never knew about. She should be seeing a urologist if she has not already just to be sure there is nothing else causing this problem. There is no special diet. Girls run a higher risk of these type of infections because the urethra (the tube from which she urinates) is short in females and bacteria can get in there and travel into the bladder and up into the kidney. Some things she can do to prevent infections are: drink a fair amount of fluids (not necessarily ALL water but not all the SAME thing), avoid bubble baths (shower instead or plain water and not for an extended time), urinate often (every two to three hours). These suggestions are not a guarantee that she will never get infections again though as some people are just more prone to them (for a variety of reasons). If you want to know more about it in detail, you can e-mail me.

QUESTION:
Pro-biotics and an alkaline diet?
I’m pregnant with a yeast, bladder and kidney infection. So my urine analysis has come back from the lab showing that my system is too acidic, to which my midwife attributes all my infections. So she has put me on an alkaline diet to balance my body’s ph. For my yeast infection she has me on pro-biotics (acidophilus) which I just read about how they make an acidic environment in your digestive system. So aren’t I defeating the pro-biotics with trying to eat only alkaline foods if it needs to make an acidic environment? It doesn’t make sense. Is there anyone out there that knows more about this than me? I’m starving because I can’t eat my favorite breads and meats. I can’t seem to eat enough veggies and fruit to get full.

ANSWER:
I don’t know about the probiotics and needing an acidic environment – but I would assume unless you’ve been on an alkaline diet for many many years you won’t have much in the way of “good bacteria” and the probiotics will be very beneficial to preventing future infections. I know, because I am VERY prone to exactly what you are going through, especially when I am pregnant – it’s miserable!! Here are some good recipies for alkalinity. Do you have a good blender, or can obtain one (such as a Vita Mix)? That will help all those dark leafy greens and other veggies and fruits go down a LOT easier, and you will feel fuller… the worst is when you’re pregnant and trying to eat healthy, because I don’t know about you but having anything in my mouth too long was nauseating – I just wanted something I could swallow down quick and be done with it, and make me full!

Try blending (and I know it sounds nasty, but it’s not):
3-7 leaves of kale – very alkalizing and high in calcium.
25 strawberries (best deal is the frozen bag at Wal-Mart – .97).
2 bananas
1-2c water.
Optional – avocado! This is creamy and makes it taste like yogurt!!

Honeydew Melon – delicious and alkalizing – blend it and it makes a creamy delicious drink.

Salad:
Quinoa (an alkalizing grain)
Cut up one tomato
Cut up half a cucumber
Can add vinegar and oil … not sure if that defeats the alkaline purpose, but it’s also good without the dressing.

Check out www.living-foods.com in the Bulletin Boards under the recipies and juicing/blending forums for TONS of great recipies and ideas. The website is devoted to the vegan raw food diet, and those foods are alkaline. People there also offer great emotional support.

Good luck sweetie!!

QUESTION:
Kidney infection/Alcohol ?
I was treated with antibiotics for a suspected kidney infection ( had frequent painful urination, fever, back and side pain) After i finished my antibiotics i haven’t experienced any of these symptoms. However iv recently been on a special k diet for 3 days, however was out last night and had a few drinks on an empty stomach i guess. Ever since then iv just been feeling nausea’s, i was wondering if this could be related to my kidney infection or just a bad fix of food n alcohol, cause i consumed the alcohol over 30 hours ago n still feel like this. Im just worried because im going on holiday in two weeks and they’re will be lots of alcohol consumed!!

ANSWER:

QUESTION:
Besides diet, what’s the best natural way to get rid of kidney stones in a cat??
My cat had magnesium crystals in his urine and a bad bladder infection. He was put on a very strict diet and two different antibiotics. Everything at this point for those troubles have thankfully cleared! He went to the vet the other day and come to find out he now has 3 small kidney stones. The vet says to keep him on the diet and the stones should eventually dissolve. However, I hate leaving him like this. Is there any natural things I could do to help him dispose of these kidney stones?? I know kidney stones are painful for humans and I would hate to think that he’s in pain. My little buddy has been through alot these last few weeks and I want to do what’s best for him and help him get better in any way I can. Please help. Thanks… For all to who responds and who responded to my other cat questions, thank you so very much. I really appreciate your feedback.

ANSWER:
You are very lucky to have caught it, most cat owners don’t find out until it’s too late to do anything about the stones.

You can increase fluid intake which will help the stones pass by feeding him canned food (please follow the diet as the vet suggests) or pouring the liquid from the canned meal into the water to flavor it, as a result making your cat drink more water because of the taste.

There is a litter additive that detects any blood when your cat goes in his box, this will help you and your vet judge his recovery/health status. You can only get this from your vet. I don’t know the price, but your vet should be able to tell you.

Good luck!

QUESTION:
How can to know if I have kidney stones or a kidney infection? Or something else?
Okay for the last couple days I’ve been feeling really weird. The first thing I noticed was a difference in my pee. It has become really cloudy and has a terrible smell that it has never had before. I didn’t change my diet and I have been drinking a lot of water, so I know it can’t be because of that. The next thing was that I started having a really sharp pain in my lower back on the left side. It came and went, hurting a lot at some point in the day, and hardly at all during other parts so I just thought that it was back pains or something. But now not only does my back hurt but my lower abdomen does as well. It started out as a managible pain but every day it gets a little worse and now I don’t even want to move or walk around to much because it hurts. My stomach also has been making some funny sounds and when I push on the lower left part of my abdomen I can hear like a little swishy sort of noise.

I know that something is not right, and I’ve made a doctors appointment for tomorrow, but I’m just kind of curious to what the real reason might be. I’ve researched it and I think it’s probably either kidney stones or a kidney infection, because my symptoms match both of these. I was just wondering if any one has any idea to what it could be or if any one has any similar stories that they’d like to share with me

ANSWER:
Kidney stones often give you a sharp, stinging and stabbing pain in your lower back but after you drink plenty of water the pain goes away within about half an hour or so or perhaps a bit later as kidney stones absolutely love water.

Cloudy urine plus a burning sensation when you pee suggests a UTI (urinary tract infection) and that usually requires an antibiotic. Drinking a lot of cranberry juice does not necessarily help.

QUESTION:
Could I be pregnant, or have an infection?
Hello.
I am having some issues with my body, that have left me a little confused. I’m going to explain the complexity of my issue, and hope someone knows or has been through this and might be able to offer me some advice.

See About two months ago, whoa missed my period! So i took a first response, and checked a week after I was late… but the test came back negative.
Soon after that, my lymph node got terribly swollen in my throat, and the pain was really intense. I at first thought, oh lord I’m pregnant. I did a lot of searching, and did not find that swollen lymph nodes are ever a sign of pregnancy, but still I was skeptical. I didn’t feel pregnant, and my intuitions pretty stellar. I looked up what my symptoms could have been and my only answer really lead to an inner body infection, or the mumps. Which I was vaccinated for, so I thought no way! The fail rate on the vaccine is like 1, in every million or something, and mumps are pretty much unheard of now, but I guess its still a possibility.
It took a week of eating well, and sleep for it to go away. But it went away, my fever went down, and my period was missed. I read it was normal for woman to miss because of stress. A swollen lymph node because of stress? I dont think thats to common. I know you can worry yourself sick, but that is a little silly. I assumed I would get my period the next month, but still nothing. I took another test two weeks ago, which would of been… 45 days after my missed period. I was really nervous, but WHAMMO came back negatory. I made sure that I followed th e instructions very thoroughly.

As of recent, I have new symptoms on top of my missed periods.

I have alot of abdominal pain around my ovaries, and lower stomach by like where my bladder, and uterus are. I am sexually active, and love my partner alot. We take care of each other, and are cleanly and have both only been with a virgin a piece, and have no stds. We clean ourselves normally before and after sex. At the beggining of last month we had sex, and the entire time it hurt. I just assumed it was because it was rougher then normal, but that’s just not the case, I was being delusional and I knew it. After we had sex the one time, I began to get such bad cramping that I was debilitated and couldn’t even move the pain was so bad, not even an exaggeration. I never experienced anything like that, not even when I had my period. I assumed it was because I had my period at the time, but It just didn’t feel normal. Im scared to death of doctors so I figured “oh! Ill change my diet a little” so I started drinking more water, and eating healthier for two weeks, but I only seemed to get worse. I started getting pain in my ovaries, and my vagina had a distinct scent kind of like onions? Or garlic? Idk I cant identify it, but its pretty offensive to me. And my urine is like Dark orange. I’m assuming that inst healthy.
I was getting back cramps, and I guess weird flutters in my stomache.
When I move certian ways the pain in my ovaries twinges and Its effecting the way i eat. It burns a little bitwhen I use the bathroom, but as common with a yeast infection, there isnt any itching, or cottage cheese like discharge.
I have a good amount of white ish discharge but I don’t know.
I havnt experienced blood or spotting, and I havnt been getting wierd food cravings, or morning sickness.
I also have to urinate like every damn minute. It’s getting annoying. When i try to go, some comes out, then my whole inner pelvis hurts like hell, and I have to go again, and its in long, to short bursts. Its like I can’t make up my mind. My urine has a strange smell too, Its almost like cinnamon mixed with ammonia? I am not sure though if a typical urinary tract infection, kidney infection, or bladder infection though will be enough to make you skip your period twice.
I obviously need to make a doctor appointment asap, I’m just a little scared, and want to see if the signs lead up to pregnancy or if they lead to an infection? I know a lot of these signs are the same and its confusing, the cramping and urine scent and discharge, and cramps and fluttering and back pain are all signs of infections and pregnancy.
Oh and the missed periods a big contributor too.
I personally feel like I have an infection, but pregnancy is a possibility as well. Im more worried about pregnancy then I am infection. I am really rough and tumble, and kind if klutzy. I have fallen down the stairs, and ran into things, and roughhoused, more then enough to hurt the baby. I am making a doctor apointment right now too, heres hoping someone reads this before then :/

If It is an infection, what type do you think it is based on exp, and my symptoms?

ANSWER:
I am not a doctor, but I am sure anyone would tell you that it seems that you have an infection rather than pregnancy. None of the symptoms you listed like the abdominal pain and foul odor and discharge are pregnancy symptoms. You should really see a doctor very soon so that what ever you have contracted can be treated promptly.

QUESTION:
Whats My Problem?? std/bladder/kidney infection?
i think i had what they call systitus about 6 months ago because for about a 6 days in one month. random days though. i would go for a piss and id have hardly anything come out and then for the next 3+ hours id have to go to the toilet 20+ times but nothing would come out. after drinking loads of water it would eventally go. it wasnt painfull just very very anoying!. like i said this was atleast a good 4 months since this last happend. But this morning ive gone for a piss and towards the end was a bit of blood discharge nothing major but enough for me to worry. ive been worried about my diet recently fizzy drinks and alot of carbohydrates. ive always had an idea in the back of my head that i might have had an std for a couple of years now though. i have been to the doctors for the systitus but it was more because i felt a lump on my testicle. i had a urine test at doctors and the booked a scan at the hospital. the scan was all fine and the doctors never got back to me about the piss test so i didnt worry. this was about 3 months ago. please help.

ANSWER:
From what you say I dont think you have an STD (but obviously without testing cant be sure!! – obviously!!) From what you say it sounds like you have a UTI – Urinary Tract Infection or cystitis….Is there burning or is it painful to pass urine ?? – If there is blood in the urine it sounds as if you need to start on a course of abs like trimethroprim asap….as its sunday here contact your gp who will have a message on their phone for you to call out of hours – they will then test your urine and probably give you anti biotics….good luck

QUESTION:
frequent headaches due to lack of caffeine I think?
I had been drinking diet mountain dew for about thepast year or so. Recently I had been getting a pain and having to pee more often. My boyfriend suggested I may be getting a kidney infection, so I dropped the mountain dew and now I drink nothing but water and sometimes juice. Everything went back to normal except now I get headaches everyday. I assume its because I am not getting any caffeine now.
I have been taking Excedrin which contains caffeine, and my headaches seem to go away quickly. I don’t want to have to keep taking them though. How long til I get through this detox period?

ANSWER:
The headaches are from caffeine withdrawal. By taking the Excedrin, you are actually making the headaches last longer…. your body is getting a smaller amount of caffeine and keeping it from detoxing the last of it out of your system, so the withdrawal symptoms continue.

The only real way to stop those headaches is to stop ALL sources of caffeine for at least a few days so your system can get rid of everything including the addiction, but there are a few things that can help speed that detox along in addition. Drinking water will help to detox (so you’re on the right path there), and taking some supplements that work as cleansers may help as well. Specifically, Apple Cider Vinegar, Green Tea (decaffeinated), Chlorophyll (fantastic cleanser), and even good amounts of fiber and water helps some people (although it’s not very comfortable for the lower level of detoxification you get).

All that being said, it’s likely that the symptoms should stop relatively shortly after your last bit of caffeine. Your neurotransmitters don’t take too terribly long to scream for something they are addicted to after you stop.
Also, make sure you aren’t drinking any caffeine in your coffee, tea, or other “natural drinks” or energy drinks you may have (some of the herbal drinks add caffeine). Good luck!

QUESTION:
Paralyzed Intestines, Fatty Liver, Liquid Diet, Swollen Stomach, Upper GI tomorrow. Any encouragement?
Okay, last Saturday night (8 days ago), I went to my local ER because I was violently vomiting. I had not eaten much that day and had vomited all of that up. After seeing the triage, I started having to run into the ER bathroom and was vomiting up (what I later found out was) BILE. It was oily and green colored. Anyway, they gave me fluids and kept me overnight for observation. I didn’t throw up again after being on the fluids. In the last few hours of being in the hospital I had diariah once and started running a low grade fever. They let me go anyway and said it was just a stomach virus going around.
The following day, I started having the weirdest diariah it was almost all liquid, tan colored and ‘frothy’ if that makes any sense. I didn’t have a since solid movement all week. Friday morning, my boss looked at my stomach and noticed it was POKING out, sent me to the doctor. They did an xray, said my intestines were paralyzed & I had a kidney infection and sent me straight over to the ER again. I’ve now been here since Friday morning (it’s now Sunday night). They did an ultrasound on me today and said I had fat on my liver. I’ve only had a little food and still no solid movement. They’re doing an upper gi tomorrow, but I’m really scared about what they might say.
My gallbaldder had been removed in 2005 after I was notified of my gallstones my OB saw during one of my last ultrasounds. It was taken out a few days after the birth of my son.
I’m just hoping someone out there might have been thru what I’m going thru. I’ve tried to ‘google’ for help but there’s so much ‘junk’ out there.
anything would be appreciated
Thank you.

ANSWER:

QUESTION:
Is there anything else I can do to help my cat?
My cat has a bladder infection, kidney infection, and some kind of urethral plug. I’ve taken him to the vet and they put him on Science Diet S/D canned food. The vet said in about 3 days if he isn’t peeing then he has to be hospitalized. So far I see no improvement and he isn’t wanting to eat. I CAN’T AFFORD TO HOSPITALIZE HIM!!! Is there anything else I can give him or do for him to help this?

ANSWER:
Cats generally will NOT eat the s/d food. Get some baby food from the grocery store. It must have NO onion or garlic powder added. I believe Gerber’s Stage 2 chicken or lamb is “pure”.

He will be in more serious trouble if he does not eat so that is the first priority. You can use the baby food for about three days, then you must switch to a food such as Wellness chicken or turkey to get the taurine he needs (baby food has no taurine). You can add a teaspoon of filtered water to the canned cat food – the baby food is quite moist.

See if you can get methionine from a health food store and add a teaspoon of that to the canned food. It is what is added to the s/d to acidify the urine.

Infection is another deal alltogether and your cat should have some antibiotic from the original vet for that.

If your cat does not eat, does not urinate he will lose his life! You must be prepared to hospitalize him if that happens.

QUESTION:
Pain in the Left and Right Kidneys and Shoulder blades… Please help!
I am a 24 year old female. Since beginning of July I’ve been having pains in my LEFT kidney. It was nothing terrible just a faint numbness. I just rubbed it and slept on my right side and it would usually go away. A week ago the pain in my LEFT kidney radiates to my LEFT shoulder blade and the faint pain stays there. Plus the pain got worse. Yesterday I got a pain on my RIGHT ovary… that pain for the most part went away. TODAY I have pain on my RIGHT kidney and the pain radiates to my RIGHT shoulder blade. NOW both sides are hurting. It’s a faint numbness that gets to a sharp pain for a few seconds. If I take a deep breath I feel the pain in my back. Today I am also getting acid reflux with it. FYI my pee is normal. I’m going to the doctor tomorrow but people are telling me it’s my kidneys, gallbladder, stones, ovary infection, mini heart attacks or just bad gas. What do I believe??? I know I will get an answer tomorrow but I’m scared as hell now and want a better educated idea on what might be going wrong here. I take vitamins every morning, drink lots of water, and don’t have a bad diet (I’ve actually lost a lot of weight recently). Please help!

ANSWER:
I’d go for urinary track infection spread to the kidneys. Your kinda young for kidney stones. Could be a bacteria infection of other kind. Ovary infections hurt too.

QUESTION:
Doctors: Upper respiratory infection and treatment?
Hi there, me and my husband temporarily moved to the South for work and he has become very sick, he has developed a kidney stone and currently has an upper respiratory infection. I fed him very healthy and organic foods when we lived in NY, but since we’ve moved here and it’s all about fried foods and alcohol, he’s kinda gone nuts and only been consuming that. We have seen 2 doctors here about the kidney stones and the infection, he was given antibiotics for his infection (which haven’t helped at all, it’s going on almost 2 weeks of his sickness) and both doctors have said kidney stones have absolutely nothing to do with his diet and have offered no further advice other than refer us to someone to break it up and make it easier to pass when he refused surgery. I work in sales, I don’t know a thing about medicine, but I did research and upper respiratory infections are usually viral I thought? Also, I have been reading that kidney stones can result from diet/lack of water/alcohol consumption! The education level in the South is too often criticized(hope I’m not offending anyone), I’m wondering if we just got unlucky with doctors and they are just idiots. Or maybe I am the idiot and they are right? I know there is no way to break up the stone naturally, but I just need some advice on prevention/diet or what foods to avoid since these two knew nothing sadly and I don’t believe them that it has nothing to do with diet and alcohol. Any advice I appreciate! Thanks!

ANSWER:
Anyone who tells you that a crappy diet and alcohol have nothing to do with ill health of any kind is a twit. Dehydration can facilitate kidney stone formation. That’s a no brainer to someone who knows something about orthomolecular medicine (the study of nutrition on health). Sad fact is that MD’s get little or no training in nutrition. Their job is to prescribe drugs and refer to specialists and surgeons. No help there.
Kidney stones CAN be dissolved and eliminated naturally.

Some people swear by 2 tbsp. of olive oil mixed with 2 tbsp. of lime juice (follwed by a large glass of water).
Sometimes just drinking organic apple cider vinegar (1tbsp)mixed in a cup of hot water and inhaling the vapour can knock out an upper respiratory infection/bronchitis. High doses of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) work wonders (around 10,000mg/day in divided doses).
Hint: it’s not you who’s the idiot.

QUESTION:
Can eating bananas trigger Kidney problems?
I’m a 34 year old female who has a family history of Kidney Disease. The members of my family that had Kidney Disease also abused drugs and alcohol, so who’s to say if the drugs and alcohol caused their Kidney Disease. I have never used or tried drugs or alcohol and yet I’ve suffered chronic kidney infections for years, especially after having children. Now yesterday I ate a banana and started to have back pain (kidney area), and my urine had a very foul salty kind of odor, my blood pressure seemed high and my heart was beating really fast. I do know that if you have Kidney Disease, your diet cannot contain potassium because the kidneys cannot filter properly therefore causing the same symptoms I just explained. I ate another banana today just to see if the same thing happened, and it did. Should I bring this to the attention of my physician? Should I worry? Has anyone else experienced any such thing, or similiar to what I have explained?
Do you think my kidneys are showing signs of failure? I didn’t have these symptoms in the past, but because of my family history of Renal Failure I was wondering if this could be the beginning.

ANSWER:
You should definitely bring this to the attention of your doctor. Potassium, sodium, calcium, phosphorus and other minerals are critical for the proper function of your kidneys and their ability to keep the water balance of your blood, as well as their ability to remove toxins. If you have kidney problems and you eat too much of any of these substances, you can can cause permanent damage to your body. A high level of potassium in the blood can lead to heart rhythm problems, and if left untreated can even lead to death. Please see your doctor ASAP and educate yourself on the proper diet for your body! Good luck!

QUESTION:
Need help on Home transcription?
I was medical representative for 4 years then suffered from kidney failure for 1 and half year i was on dialysis and now got transplanted a year ago, in between took training for MT. Due to post transplant medication i cannot go out in a group environment coz im more prone to infections and diet restrictions. Ihave have very low experience any company need good quality. I just want to know is there any company which offer HT as trainee and offer job.

ANSWER:
Learn to create wealth from home

http://www.brightnetjobs.com

QUESTION:
Special diet cat food?
My cat has been diagnosed with kidney stones and bladder infection and the vet says he needs to eat special food. The problem is we have other cats in the house so they all have to be on it to avoid the one with a problem getting other food. I bought a 20lb bag of Hills Science Diet from the vet and it was . This is a bit steep for us feeding all of the cats. Is there any other brands you could suggest that is just as good but a bit eaiser on the wallet? Thanks!

ANSWER:
There is no other less expensive food that will dissolve stones. There are some other urinary tract care foods you can find at the pet stores. But often times the cat with problems will end up back at the vet with another big bill after feeding something else. I realize it is expensive to feed the food suggested, but it should help pay for itself in the long run. A lot of cats gain weight on it, so you won’t need to feed nearly as much as you did other foods. The cats may think they are being deprived, but they won’t NEED as much.

QUESTION:
Does anyone know if protein in Urine is serious?Does anyone know a proteinuria diet?
I have had protein in my urine since I can remember. My new dr had me do a 24 hr sample and my protein was 19 points high. He is sending me to a nephrologist.
Would being a vegeterian help this? I have heard that light exercise is good but not running and aerobics?
I have had drs tell me I should see a specialist before but there are times I don’t have any protein or light protein. I hope this isn’t serious. My endocrinologist ask that my dr refer me to a specialist after blood and urine tests taken for my thyroid. My stomach, legs,ankles,feet and sometimes hands and face swell. I have a lot of kidney infections and every now and then I have calcium, liver enzymes, blood, and keytones but 95% of the time at least a little protein but the amout really varies.
I had a large number of calcium in my urine a few weeks ago and then I went to er with so much pain. They said they saw a ruptured ovarian cyst but I really think I may have passed a stone because a wk later I didnt have the calcium in my urine?
I’m not sure what all of this mean?

ANSWER:
Your kidneys act like filters for your blood. The stuff that passes through the filter is what makes up urine. It’s not normal for protein to be found in the urine, because the holes in the filter are not large enough for proteins to pass through.

High levels of protein in the urine indicate there is something wrong with the filter, and therefore something wrong with the kidneys. You could have kidney damage from the kidney infections. A low-protein diet is sometimes recommended for people with renal disease, but if your doctor didn’t mention this, your case might not be severe enough to warrant that yet.

QUESTION:
Does my Cat have a UTI, stones, or other kidney problem? if so… what diet?
My cat’s pee has a little blood in it, i noticed it outside of her litter box. she was frequently urinating, and only producing a small amount each time, I suspected UTI. the blood was only a little bit in the begining, now it’s just urine

i took her to the vet, and they put her on Clavamox (broad spectrum anti-biotic) for an infection. they also want to do a urinealysis & bladder scan for stones/bacteria. Yet when i inquired about this they told me change of diet is appropirate. my question is…What should a kitty with this be eating?

I have not done the testing yet, due to financial reasons. the vet bill alone was 0.

she seems better today, but she is a little fatigued. does any know if this is a side effects of this antibiotic? or if this is a sign of something more serious than i thought.

hope someone can help.

-Thanks

p.s. her pee patteren is normal now, she is not constantly going potty, but she is producing, but i’m worried she is a little tired.

ANSWER:
You do not want to feed the vet’s diet. You want to stop feeding dry foods. The system needs water.

Nutrition since there are so many bad things out there is very important to your cat’s health
Contrary to what you may have heard; dry foods are not a great thing to feed a cat.
Please read the label on what you are feeding? What are the ingredients? Do you know what they mean? Is the first ingrdiant a muscle meat like chicken or meal or other things?

http://www.catinfo.org/#Learn_How_To_Read_a_Pet_Food_Ingredient_Label

Dry foods are the number 1 cause of diabetes in cats as well as being a huge contributing factor to kidney disease, obesity, crystals, u.t.i’s and a host of other problems. Food allergies are very common when feeding dry foods. Rashes, scabs behind the tail and on the chin are all symptoms
The problems associated with Dry food is that they are loaded with carbohydrates which many cats (carnivores) cannot process them. Also, Most of the moisture a cat needs is suppose to be in the food but in
Dry, 95% of it is zapped out of dry foods in the processing. Another thing, most use horrible ingredients and don’t use a muscle meat as the primary ingredient and use vegetable based protein versus animal. Not good for an animal that has to eat meat to survive.
You want to pick a canned food w/o gravy (gravy=carbs) that uses a muscle meat as the first ingredient and doesn’t have corn at least in the first 3 ingredients if at all. Fancy feast is a middle grade food with 9lives, friskies whiskas lower grade canned and wellness and merrick upper grade human quality foods. Also, dry food is not proven to be better for teeth. Does a hard pretzel clean your teeth or do pieces of it get stuck? http://www.felinefuture.com/nutrition/bpo_ch4a.php

QUESTION:
Rubbed my penis on her vagina, could she be pregnant?
So me and my girlfriend were fooling around a little she took off her panties and I had my boxers on and I kinda touched her there with my penis which wasn’t even wet just a little moist, she was very wet though. I did that for just a minute and didn’t ejaculate. It was a few days after her period and she’s still a virgin. Then she got sick got kidney infection and had to change her diet and all and she spotted for two days which scared me very much, but wanted to wait to see if she gets her period. Well it’s the 25th and she should’ve gotten it yesterday and she didn’t get it yet. Could she be pregnant?

ANSWER:
if you are very certain you didn’t ejaculate then no shes not pregnant however pregnancy tests can’t hurt to try and her periods a day late? us girls don’t get them dead on time in fact most of the time they are a couple of days late or early your panicking a bit too much just try to think this logically

hope this helps

QUESTION:
do you know anyone who has had worst luck with pets? do tell…?
i have had 6 pets in my adult life…30 years old, got started at 19.

cat 1: Poops~n~Bites : died of cancer at age 6 (after surgeries, cryogenics, chemo). She crapped on the carpet every day of her life UNTIL one month before she died. And although a lover she would bite you when she felt she was done being petted. We euthanized her, but probably waited too long because it was really hard to do.

cat 2: Trixie (followed 6 months later) died at age 6 also, from a heart attack from the vacuum-no joke!!

cat 3: Ninja (four years later) died AGAIN at age 6 from kidney failure (after lots of visits, home IV fluids, change if diet). it came on strong and from the time the symptoms were present we only had about 2 weeks with her. we had gotten her levels back to a good level from a few days stay at the vet ($$$) but she was in a LOT of pain a few days later and we put her down.

Cat 4 : Guadalupe “Lupe” 4 years old ALIVE!! However, Lupe was diagnosed with a heart murmur at age one: 1 or 2 on a scale 1-6, 6 being worst. a cardiogram showed half her heart was solid hard from heart disease at age 2, and also was rated 4-5 on scale. without meds she was given 6mos to live at age 2. we give her 2 pills a day and seems like she is great although we know her time is limited. we know a day will come that she will exhibit signs of suffocation (cardiac arrest) and we will immediately bring her in to be put down. they said it’s very painful (CA). also, they want us to give her cardiograms every 6 mos but they are 0+ and WE ARE BROKE. the only one in the house with health insurance is the DOG.

DOG 1: willis!!! the million dollar dog (insured!) status: ALIVE AND EXPENSIVE!!! (and i love him with allllllll of my heart, soul and credit cards)

YEAR ONE:
*multiple bladder infections
*lots of diarehea (changed diet)
*multiple eye infections
*massive loss of hair (related to allergies)
*severe allergies (food and insects)
*puppy strangles disease
*benign hystiocytoma #1
*extreme infection from absess from removal of 1st hystiocytoma. the vet wasn’t able to test it. he thought it may be a tumor & i tried to be pro-active, since it looked like Poops~N~Bites’ mass cell growths and i was told boxers are tumor factories. the result was a few days after surgery we ended up taking him to the vet 4x in 24hrs (was seen at reg. vet 2x & er vet 2x, both places by multiple vets). the last time we brought him in (to ER less than 2hrs after reg. vet visit) they told us he probably wouldn’t make it (infection had spread all over his body-he was FILLED w/ fluid and pus). they did an aggressive surgery and put lots of drainage tubes in and removed tons of gangreen skin. they weren’t able to tell me if he was going to make it for 2 days!! he wasn’t able to exercise or play for one month after that, but recovered.

YEAR TWO
*pneumonia
*got “the flu” or ate poison outside again (we live in the city)
*hystiocytoma #2 (left untouched since first was benign and it went away eventually)
*flu (or ate poison outside)
*ate a half of a CD, as well as dvd cases, hair brushes and mutliple ink pens….
*LOTS AND LOTS of yeast infections in ears and between toes resulting in many, many expensive shampoos, medicated pads, ear cleaners, epsom salt baths (5m 2x a day). did i mention my husband and i both work 1-2 FT jobs each and were in school FT??? (we had doggie day care and opposite schedules so he wasn’t neglected and we also walked him at the minimum 2hrs a day)
*funky stinky penis infection (mild, but disgusting)

YEAR THREE
*benign hystiocytoma (2 of them… one got gruesome, both went away)
*ate chocolate, raisins & a btl. of neosporin.
*Bloat
*Tumor (grade 2-1) we had removed.

DOG 2 : Shakey Jake
a one year old boxer we rescued 4 months ago. i found him on craigslist and adopted him because he was in a really tiny crate and he was 7months old. the owner told me he was in there 12-13 hrs a DAY!!! because of work and commute. it broke my heart, esp knowing how much exercise and socialization these dogs need. she promised me he was up to date on shots, totally healthy and mostly house broken. turns out, she lied. i brought him to the vet 12 hrs later…he had ear mites, worms, skin infections, broken tail in 2 parts and was malnourished. he didn’t respond to our voices (i thought he was deaf-no just ignored). he bit us (not maliciously just playing, but OUCH) and was totally crazy. it took 2 months to house train him. he’s still hyper but all of his health stuff got cleared up with shots, meds, bandages and love!!!

he had one 0 flu-like experience but besides that is seemingly healthy. he was fine after he got rehydrated.

about my boxer eating choc/raisins/neosporin/cds/pens/etc PLEASE DO NOT JUDGE ME!!!!!! all times were extreme accidents (or in part from them climbing on the counters that we thought they couldn’t reach). my husband cut off part of his thumb at work and left the neosporin on the table

ANSWER:
I know how you feel we have been through so many dogs and cats i can’t keep track of them all we have moved around a lot and some have gotten sick and chewers and everything, hubby about ready to give up on having pets, we have chaweenie right now, she is a chewer and has gotten sick twice because of it, has eaten my kids clothes underwear from all members of the family. So we have been through the same thing some of them had worse problems then we could afford. My Hubby is the same way.

QUESTION:
kidney problems?
My dog has a kidney infection & she needs to be put on a diet that has low amounts of protein in high quality.
Do you know of a dog food that I could give to her that would fulfill these requirements?
My vet has prescription dog foods, but they’re really expensive and she suggested that I look around for something cheaper.

ANSWER:
An entire list devoted to this topic…
http://pets.groups.yahoo. com/group/K9KidneyDiet/

Take the space between yahoo. and com out

QUESTION:
SlimQuick and kidney problems?
My friend wants to add Slimquick (the diet pill) to her diet and exercises routine but she has chronic kidney infections, so I have been trying to find out if Slimquick would be safe for her. Does anyone know if Slimquick would affect her kidneys?

Before you start judging:
1- She is an adult,
2- Her doctor told her she needs to lose weight,
3- She WILL be discussing this with her doctor, we are just trying to gather as much information on our own as possible
4- She DOES exercise and eats healthy

I JUST WANT TO KNOW ABOUT SLMIQUICK AND THE POSSIBLE EFFECTS IT MIGHT HAVE ON HER KIDNEYS!
It’s just the regular Slimquick, not the Hoddia or Cleanse

ANSWER:

QUESTION:
sudden High blood pressure few weeks after sinus infection has gone?
After having a big sinus infection which was got rid of with antibiotics and having a normal and good blood pressure reading, a few weeks later i went back to doctors feeling dizzy ,he said i have high blood pressure.I have now had some tests on kidneys ,urine which i am waiting results for and ecg (which was normal) and I am on medication which has lowered it.But I am just wondering what could have caused this,could it be to do with the sinuses?The antibiotics?stress?my diet ,which was full of junk at one point ,genetics? or me stopping smoking few months back?Maybe no one has the answers,but it would be interesting to know if anyone else has gone through similar or knows of anyone who has?

ANSWER:
Totally unrelated to the sinuses and abx. Blood pressure readings normally vary throughout the day, but sometimes your bp can drop when you have an infection- so it’s possible that your first reading was a false low.
I doubt it was sudden- chances are that it just became high enough to have symptoms. High bp is called the silent killer because while your heart, kidneys, vessels & eyes are being damaged- you may not have a single indication that something is wrong.
Quitting smoking is GREAT, and staying a non-smoker is one of the best things you can do for your bp. If you are overweight, shedding a few pounds will help.
As far as risk factors- they are divided into modifiable (things you can do like not smoke and eat bacon cheeseburgs everyday) and non-modifiable such as genetics. HBP is most common black males over 30. it’s just a fact. genetics also play a part.
just work on the things you have control over and take your meds- if side effects are intolerable- ask for something else- there are a million meds for high bp (anti-hypertensives)
There are alot of dietary factors, but that is a whole different question!

take care!

QUESTION:
6 year old girl with foul smelling urine?
i checked this site http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/urine-odor/AN00958 and it said foul smelling urine is usually due to an infection of the kidneys or bladder. but i have been smelling this awful smell in the bathroom for weeks now and finally figured out it was my youngest daughter’s urine so i cant believe it could be an infection or she would have been very ill by now. she says there has not been any itching or burning and she has not had any fever. she doesnt eat asparagus and there have not been any changes in her diet so i am very perplexed about this. i am going to make a doctor’s appt on monday.
the question is, what ELSE could it be? is there a disease or condition that i missed that also causes this that i missed?

ANSWER:
It could be due to a variety of things. Infection is high on the list, and your daughter might not realize she is having painful urination if this has been going on a long time (she may think that’s the way it is now). Another is diabetes, which would also predispose her to infection and smelly urine (because the sugar in the urine would feed naturally occuring bacteria). Another is genetic diseases of amino acid metabolism, but these are likely to have been diagnosed at an earlier age.

It is important to get her in to see a doctor as soon as possible, and I am glad you will do this Monday. She will need blood and urine samples to diagnose any of these possibilities. She should go into these tests in a fasting state, so if you get an appointment early in the morning, don’t let her eat breakfast so you can get the tests done then. If you go in after 10:00, do the test the next day (at 7:00-8:00 am).

Meanwhile, make sure she drinks plenty of water. Check her urine to see if you can get it to lighten up (should be nearly clear) and reduce the odor with greater fluid intake. And good luck Monday.

QUESTION:
Is there not enough fibre in my diet?
Hello. (:
I really need some help. For the past few weeks, whenever I go to the toilet (I know, not a nice topic, but I really need some help,) I’m almost literally howling in pain. I think I may have a tear, but whenever I do go, I bleed, and it takes me a long time before I’m finished. I also know it’s not good to strain, but I’m having to at the moment to get it out. I’m pretty sure I’ve had this before, and I think it was because I wasn’t getting enough fibre.
I get a lot of problems, like cystitis, kidney/water infections….and so on. But I’m pretty sure this has just got to do with the fact I don’t get enough fibre. I’m 15, and I’m also a demi-vegetarian (I only eat white meat and fish, and if you don’t believe this is real, Google it,) as I refuse to eat red meat. Is there any way that my fibre levels may be linked to this? If not, what can I eat that will boost my fibre levels?
I’m sorry to ask such a question, but I need some help, as it’s really uncomfortable. No stupid/horrible answers please, as I tend to suffer with these sort of things quite a lot.
I really appreciate your help with this. (:

ANSWER:
Hi Kellie, I wouldn’t have realy thought that any flavor of vegetarian would have a problem with fibre seeing as you diet primarily consists of many of the best sources of fibre available.

My first thought is you are not drinking enough water. Are you doing long duration exercise or sport in which you sweat a lot? In this case you may need to drink even more water than you are having now. The recommendations are that the people drink approx 8 x 8oz glasses of water per day, possilby more if vigorous activity occurs.

If you think your water intake is adequate then I think a trip to the doctor would be the best idea as well.

QUESTION:
No ejaculation, no pentration, pregnancy?
Me and my girlfriend were fooling around a little, I rubbed my penis on her vagina I wore boxers, and I was nowhere close to coming and didn’t even feel any pre-cum, by the way I hadn’t masturbated for a week. We’ve never done it she’s still a virgin. Next week she got very sick (kidney infection) and took antibiotics and changed her diet and she was spotting for two days. She also missed her period, but she felt like she’s going to have it but nothing came. And she’s also very horny after her missed period. It’s been over a month now since we’ve fooled around and she has no other symptoms, but she’s missed her period for about 13 days now. Could she be pregnant?

ANSWER:
No. You didn’t have sex. Sperm has to enter the vagina to get pregnant. Being sick can cause her cycle to be off. Don’t worry she is NOT pregnant.

QUESTION:
Fooling around but no penetration, pregnancy?
Me and my girlfriend were fooling around a little, I rubbed my penis on her vagina I wore boxers, and I was nowhere close to coming and didn’t even feel any pre-***, by the way I hadn’t masturbated for a week. We’ve never done it she’s still a virgin. Next week she got very sick (kidney infection) and took antibiotics and changed her diet and she was spotting for two days. She also missed her period, but she felt like she’s going to have it but nothing came. And she’s also very horny after her missed period. It’s been over a month now since we’ve fooled around and she has no other symptoms, but she’s missed her period for about 13 days now. Could she be pregnant?

ANSWER:

QUESTION:
Im 21 in august , my urine has been dark and smells , could I have cancer?
I’m a female, and I’ve been having dark disgusting smelling urine for about 3 years , when I was younger I used to hold it a lot and got a tract infection at 15, when it first really started I thought it was due to soda intake, then someone told me eating beef will make it smell, I don’t drink much soda now and I just don’t know why this is still going on, even drinking water only ….helps a little. Today I have a sore pain on my lower back off to the side, like an ache, I’m wondering if there could be something wrong with my kidneys….opinions?diet suggestions?

ANSWER:
If it’s been dark for years, it ain’t kidney failure… Go to the dr. Until then drink cranberry juice, 100%, nothing added. I very rarely have had uti problems, but when I felt something coming on, I would buy 2 gallons of the juice and drink it all in 2 days. Never had to go to the dr except before I knew about the juice. The sulfa drug they put me on, I’m allergic too. Dark pee is either dehydration or the supplements you may be taking.

Well you didn’t say what color your dark urine is, so check this site out and it goes through all the colors and probably causes: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/urine-color/DS01026/DSECTION=causes

The most common cause of dark AND smelly urine is dehydration…

QUESTION:
What is wrong with me!!?!!?!!?!!?
Ok, so. I am extremely tired. Like, all the time. It’s been like this for about four days, and I slept all day Saturday and all day Sunday. I am vegetarian but I have a well balanced diet. I eat right, I exercises. I have some medical problems, my kidneys really suck. But, it doesn’t feel like my kidney it feels like the area right next to my hip bone on my tummy, on the left side, Hurts just like a kidney infection. I just feel weak and tired, Extremely tired.

What could be wrong?

ANSWER:
Go to a doctor. asap

QUESTION:
Is a raw food diet safe for my 3 cats with medical issues?
I have 5 cats but it is only 3 I am worried about. 5 year old male with a history of urinary blockages controlled with Hills Prescription Diet c/d. 13 year old male in mild kidney failure. He has had 2 flare ups requiring us to give subcuteaneous fluids but is fine currently. 9 month old male adopted 2 months ago who had severe coccidia infection when we brought him home. After two days he started leaking diarrhea all the time. We did several weeks of prednisone and flaggyl which have cleared up the coccidia. After resolving the coccidia he still had leakage and a mucusy discharge so vet suspected IBS and put him on Hills Prescription Diet d/d which is a rabbit and pea based food. We haven’t had any leakage in a couple of weeks now so she said to stay on this food.

I looked into the raw food diet before but my vet recommended against it for fear of salmonella, etc. I still would like to give it a try but would love to hear from others using a raw diet with ill cats.
I should have been more specific as to the treatment of the coccidia. He tested positive for coccidia which was treated with Albon(?sp) and Prednisone. We did three rounds of this with no improvement. At that point the vet said that it could be IBS and put him on Flaggyl for two weeks and the HIlls food. Her explanation for the IBS was that he was allergic to the protein source (chicken) and that the HIlls uses rabbit. I thought this to be odd just because it seemed more logical to me that it was the corn and other grains that would be the problem since cats are carnivores. She said that it is normally not the case. I asked her about the raw diets I have seen (Feline Futures, Feline Instincts, and one off the catnutrition.com site). Her opion was that it wasn’t safe due to the risk of salmonella, etc. I thank those who have responed and would love to hear from more raw feeders.

ANSWER:
I can’t help you much, I’m afraid, but I’m answering because I hate seeing all the ignorance out there about raw meat diets.

I’m sorry to say you have more sense than your vet. Or should I be sorry? LOL Whatever, you know more than she does.

Yes, the prescription diets work. But why sentence a cat to a lifetime of crappy, inferior foods? You’re right to consider alternatives. Yay you!

The kidney/protein thing is being rethought, but I don’t know enough to advise you.

What I can recommend is this – find a raw friendly vet in your area. Perhaps this will be a holistic vet – most of them seem to have a clue when it comes to proper nutrition. This way you can get one-on-one advice about the best diets for your problem kids.

It may cost more at least up front, but I do believe it’s worthwhile. I just recently switched vets. I took one cat to a good cat specialist, although I was sad to see Science Diet, Eukanuba and Royal Canin being sold. I took my problem child (weight, digestive issues) to a holistic vet and it was a religious experience! I got personalized advice that I would have paid any price for. But it only cost me 0, and that included a few items I bought.

If nothing else, I suggest you join the Yahoo group Whole Cat Health. It’s a fantastic group and the moderator probably knows everything there is to know about cats. If she or other members can’t advise you, they can at least point you in the right direction.

In the meantime, feel secure leaving your cats eating the overpriced, but somehow effective, prescription food. They’ll hang in there until you’ve had time to do some research.

Good luck!

QUESTION:
Cloudy urine… Too much caffeine and lack of water, or something more serious?
So I just went to the bathroom, and the urine was pretty cloudy… I’m a bit worried about a Kidney infection, or dysfunction. You see about a month ago, I took a pretty hefty amount of clonazepam, shamefully, for recreational purposes, and ended up taking between 12-18mg of the stuff. (I was out of it, so I didn’t really know what I was doing…) I’m thinking that could have very well done some damage to my liver and/or kidneys, and might be the explanation! I’m sixteen, and a pretty massive guy, weighing 276 pounds and 6′ 1″, so I don’t think that one Clonazepam binge would’ve caused too many issues.

Now, I’m almost sure that the cloudiness has to do with this:

For the past week, I’ve been drinking a big cup of coffee EVERY day, usually shortly after I wake up. I’ve also been drinking waaaay too many diet colas, which I haven’t done in a while. It’s also been a fairly long time since I’ve had coffee, and I can’t recall ever drinking it as often as I am now. I pretty much haven’t had ANY water in two weeks, and I’m a smoker, though I have been smoking a lot less. (Because I have to smoke outside at our new house.)

I’m really not sure what’s wrong, but I’m thinking that it’s most likely all of the excess caffeine, and severe lack of pure water.

Anyone here think I have a Kidney Infection, or a Urinary Tract Infection? I’m going to lay off the caffeine and sodas, and start drinking ONLY water for a while, and if I’m still having the same problem in two days, I will definitely visit my doctor about it!

Your opinion about this would be greatly appreciated, and wish me luck!

God bless.
I did have my thyroid checked. YEARS ago. I have hypothryoidism and take Synthroid 88MCG once daily for it. I do have insulin resistance but it’s under control.
I have been having this pain in my back, but I think it has to do with my new bed, because I wake up with it at it’s worst, and my neck also gets really sore when I sleep. It doesn’t feel any different than usual when I use the restroom.
Oh, and I do drink A LOT of milk!

ANSWER:
Yea that is probably the problem. If you are not in pain you probably don’t have any infections yet, but you could be on your way to one if you don’t lay off the bad for you drinks. You are completly right about the lack of water thing though. You have to much acid and/or sugar in your urine that makes it like that and yes that can lead to an infection. So you have the right idea, lay off the other stuff and just drink water. I would recomend not drinking that stuff altogether, It is really bad for you. Coffee has some benefits (with out all the sugar) but sodas and such do not. Even diet sodas are really bad for you, they have fake sugar in them. Horrible for your body. And you should strive to drink a gallon of water a day, your body needs it to work right. We are made mostly of water you know. Having enough water makes everything run right, it makes your skin look better, your kidneys work easier, you get less muscle cramps (potassium like in banana’s helps with this to) etc.

QUESTION:
Why am I having back pains at 15?
I have been having really bad back pains for a couple weeks now that occur in my lower back, like right under my ribs and it is on both sides most of the times, but mainly on my right. It will get worse when I am sitting for a while in a weird position, like with my feet to the side or something. Also, if I’m laying on my side in bed it gets really bad and it makes it hard to sleep at times. My mom had mentioned something about my kidneys but I haven’t had any pain with urination, it has been a little less than normal but that’s the only change. Another thing that had crossed my mind is that I haven’t had my period for 2 months now, it has done that before (last time the gap was 4 months). In September will make it a year for having my periods so I thought it might still be irregular and never really thought any more about it. But I haven’t had any change in my diet, I eat just like I always do, I never FEEL fevered or nauseous. I have been trying to drink more than normal because I’m always bad for not drinking much but that hasn’t seemed to help any. One thing I was worried about is my mom always gets UTIs and I was wondering if that might be what it was or even a kidney infection. Does anyone have any idea what this pain might be from??
By the way, I’m not sure if this matters but someone put diabetis as a kidney problem cause but I’m hypoglycemic so I don’t think I’m all of a sudden a diabetic over 4 months.

ANSWER:

QUESTION:
Are you interested in a report on Cancer from the Johns Hopkins Hospital?
Cancer Update from Johns Hopkins :

1. Every person has cancer cells in the body. These cancer
cells do not show up in the standard tests until they have
multiplied to a few billion. When doctors tell cancer patients
that there are no more cancer cells in their bodies after
treatment, it just means the tests are unable to detect the
cancer cells because they have not reached the detectable
size.

2. Cancer cells occur between 6 to more than 10 times in a
person’s lifetime.

3. When the person’s immune system is strong the cancer
cells will be destroyed and prevented from multiplying and
forming tumors.

4. When a person has cancer it indicates the person has
nutritional deficiencies. These could be due to genetic,
but also to environmental, food and lifestyle factors.

5. To overcome the multiple nutritional deficiencies, changing
diet to eat more adequately and healthy, 4-5 times/day
and by including supplements will strengthen the immune system.

8. Initial treatment with chemotherapy and radiation will often
reduce tumor size. However prolonged use of
chemotherapy and radiation do not result in more tumor
destruction.

9. When the body has too much toxic burden from
chemotherapy and radiation the immune system is either
compromised or destroyed, hence the person can succumb
to various kinds of infections and complications.

10. Chemotherapy and radiation can cause cancer cells to
mutate and become resistant and difficult to destroy.
Surgery can also cause cancer cells to spread to other
sites.

*CANCER CELLS FEED ON:

a. Sugar substitutes like NutraSweet, Equal, Spoonful, etc are made
with Aspartame and it is harmful. A better natural substitute
would be Manuka honey or molasses, but only in very small
amounts. Table salt has a chemical added to make it white in
color Better alternative is Bragg’s aminos or sea salt.

B. Milk causes the body to produce mucus, especially in the
gastro-intestinal tract. Cancer feeds on mucus. By cutting
off milk and substituting with unsweetened soy milk cancer
cells are being starved.

c. Cancer cells thrive in an acid environment. A meat-based
diet is acidic and it is best to eat fish, and a little other meat,
like chicken. Meat also contains livestock
antibiotics, growth hormones and parasites, which are all
harmful, especially to people with cancer.

d. A diet made of 80% fresh vegetables and juice, whole
grains, seeds, nuts and a little fruits help put the body into
an alkaline environment. About 20% can be from cooked
food including beans. Fresh vegetable juices provide live
enzymes that are easily absorbed and reach down to
cellular levels within 15 minutes to nourish and enhance
growth of healthy cells. To obtain live enzymes for building
healthy cells try and drink fresh vegetable juice (most
vegetables including bean sprouts) and eat some raw
vegetables 2 or 3 times a day. Enzymes are destroyed at
temperatures of 104 degrees F (40 degrees C)..

e. Avoid coffee, tea, and chocolate, which have high
caffeine Green tea is a better alternative e and has cancer
fighting properties. Water-best to drink purified water, or
filtered, to avoid known toxins and heavy metals in tap
water. Distilled water is acidic, avoid it.

12. Meat protein is difficult to digest and requires a lot of
digestive enzymes. Undigested meat remaining in the
intestines becomes putrefied and leads to more toxic
buildup.

13. Cancer cell walls have a tough protein covering. By
refraining from or eating less meat it frees more enzymes
to attack the protein walls of cancer cells and allows the
body’s killer cells to destroy the cancer cells.

14. Some supplements build up the immune system
(IP6, Flor-ssence, Essiac, anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals,
EFAs etc.) to enable the bodies own killer cells to destroy
cancer cells.. Other supplements like vitamin E are known
to cause apoptosis, or programmed cell death, the body’s
normal method of disposing of damaged, unwanted, or
unneeded cells.

15. Cancer is a disease of the mind, body, and spirit.
I know it’s a bit long, but I think it’s worth the time it takes to read it.
I know it’s a bit long, but I think it’s worth the time it takes to read it.

ANSWER:
I wonder how much it cost for the John Hopkins Hospital to finally discover and publish what holistic health practitioners have been saying for decades.

So this brings us to the question: Are we striving for longevity, or are we just trying to have some control over what method the grim reamer uses to finally take us? That question has to be thought about for a while.

QUESTION:
What diet changes can we make to help our dog disolve a bladder stone?
We took her to the vet on Sat because we thought she had a urinary tract infection and they found a bladder stone (not a kidney stone).
I got a call with the urinalysis results today (Mon) and she does have a UTI (we started her on Abx on Sat) they are sending the urine for culture
On Sat the vet said something about changing her diet or possibly surgery for the stone.
Today a different vet called the UA results to us and said she would talk to the vet that saw our dog on Sat and call us back on Thurs with culture results
I asked about changing the diet and she said wait til we talk on Thurs
Why should we wait?
I want to help my dog ASAP!
What diet changes should we make?
She is currently eating Dick VanPatten’s Natural Ballance vegetarian Formula

ANSWER:
Awww, I’m very sorry about what your baby is going through! One of my Siberian Huskies had struvite stones and was looking at needing surgery, but I was able to change his diet, while prepping to schedule his surgery. He was on IAMS and Eukanuba food (I hate that I trusted those brands) and we switched him to human grade food & I started cooking for my babies & his struvite crystals did end up going away & he no longer needed surgery. I did a lot of homemade chicken soup for him too which had high content chicken fat (left skin on while boiling), along with (lots of) fresh parsley; celery, carrots & red potatoes, along with sea salt and herbs like thyme, savory, ginger…I made it very brothy and fed it to him whenever he wanted it, 1 cup at a time. This helped flush out toxins & also get his urine ph factor more balanced. High fat and salt is helpful for struvite bladder stones. http://www.marvistavet.com/html/canine_struvite_bladder_stones.html

We also purchased ph strips from Solid Gold. These were helpful to use to test his urine (and our other 2) to see if he was on track. It’s funny trying to collect urine from 3 male dogs, but a dixie cup did just fine and we didn’t get peed on “catching it” with the cup.

Unfortunately, if she doesn’t have struvite..especially if they are oxalate bladder stones, (since oxalate stones can’t disolve with a special diet), she will need surgery. http://www.marvistavet.com/html/canine_struvite_bladder_stones.html Even with struvite stones, they must be caught when small enough to pass, to possibly find relief w/out need for surgery. You have her on a pretty good food. Did her vet prescribe? Maybe ask her vet about the Honest Kitchen foods. When I don’t home prepare our huskies food, I’ll use The Honest Kitchen Force or Embark foods, but they have 5 different ones to choose from. http://www.thehonestkitchen.com/index.shtml They have grain free formulas and the meat used has no organ meats. Or ask if you can make the chicken soup? Most likely, she will need a surgery, but possibly a change of diet and trying to get her to drink more water might help, especially if the stones are struvite. Unless your vet recommends it, don’t give her any additional vitamins or minerals.

I’m sorry I’m not of the most help, but I know having some kind of reading material, to learn more can be of some help. You can print out all the information you find useful and discuss it with your baby’s vet. With something like this, you do want to go over it with the vet. There are several types of bladder stones and the net only gets into struvite and oxalate stones.

I wish you and your furry one the best of luck!

QUESTION:
why does my vision get blury when my glucose level is high?
I want to know the scientific reason.

also, I’m 19 years old. I’m 5’2 and weigh 110.
I was diagnosed over a year ago, my doctor at the time said it could be controlled with diet and exercise. But right now i have a kidney infection, and my glucose level is 421, i have not had anything to eat that i am not supposed to. I can not get to my md for a while. and my insurance runs out next month. I feel bad all the time always tired, thirsty, irritable, burred vision, and dizziness. even when i have fasted and when i wake up in the morning my levels are always above 200.
I also want to know why a person my age, who is not over weight could have type 2 diabetes.
And what can i do to help it since i will no longer be able to pay for medical expenses?

Sorry I know that’s a lot of questions.
I’m very concerned
Thank you.

I’m sorry for asking again, it seems like i’ll get more answers now.
I don’t qualify for low income health care.

ANSWER:
You need to be on medications for your blood sugar. above 200 average is bad . See if you can find a low income clinic in your area, and apply to the drug company for free drugs . My drug from walmart is only abut a month .

I believe blurred vision is from an increase in sugar , and higher pressure in the eye , but I could be wrong.

Diabetes may be caused by a virus that damages cells in the pancreas that make insulin.

any illness can throw your blood sugars off. At a 421 level you need to see a Doctor , or emergency room , and get an insulin shot to get that down .

QUESTION:
Maybe contracting a UTI Urine Infection? First time urinating in 24 hrs before & now feeling the need to pee?
Hi there,

I just urinated the first time in 24 hours, I know it was very stupid of me to wait that long.

I’m on a quiet restricted diet at the moment and stupidly found myself ‘too busy’ today to drink water. I know that’s not an excuse. Usually I drink about 2 litres a day, but today I found myself saying “I will later”..

Now, for the first time i went to pee, and everything was fine, now 2 minutes later i feel that same kind of needing to pee when you have a urine infection. I get UTI often as I have had kidney problems since i was born. It feels exactly like it, not AS bad, but it also did NOT burn when I peed.

Any suggestions? Thanks!

ANSWER:
Yes, it sounds like you might be getting a UTI. Sometimes in the early stages, it doesn’t burn yet.

Drink as much water as you can, sometimes you can flush it out before it gets too bad and turns into a full blown UTI. You should also drink cranberry juice or take cranberry concentrate pills (the pills are amazing for people with UTI/kidney problems- I used to get UTIs every few weeks and since I started taking 1 cranberry pill a day, I haven’t had any)

Oral health is important in order to keep your pets healthy. Oral health is not only about brushing your cat’s teeth. In this article you will see how proper nutrition with Hills prescription diet t/d cat food can help improve your cat’s oral health.

Oral health can also improve by feeding your cat with Hills prescription diet t/d cat food. Most cat owners ignore the importance of oral health in their felines. You might think that you cat’s teeth do not play a huge role in his or her overall health, this is entirely not true. Studies have shown that poor oral health can be associated with kidney diseases and heart problems in your cats. The effect of poor oral health is more systemic rather than localized. This is also the reason why veterinarians are encouraging cat owners to take good care of their cat’s teeth and gums. For your cat’s optimum oral health feed him with Hills cat food.

Frequently Asked Questions

QUESTION:
What is the most favorite tastiest kidney diet cat food that cats will eat and where can I buy it immediately?
My cat refuses to eat the canned kidney diet food that
the vet sells and I am looking for alternatives

ANSWER:
Is it k/d? Cause I know A LOT of cats that refuse to eat k/d. There are definitely a few renal diets out there (Purina makes one, Eukanuba makes one – check out felinecrf.com for tons of info) but I recommend Royal Canin Modified Formula. Until about two weeks ago I could have honestly said that I never knew a cat that turned it down, but of course there had to be that one who would make me not be able to ever say that again. But not much can be said for her taste as she chose to eat the k/d over this magical food. Seriously, that’s what we call it at my practice, “Magical Modified” because (almost) every cat will eat it. It has mackerel in it which I think the cats can really taste and LOVE. Plus, you can always add a little chicken broth to any canned food to increase water intake and make the food a little tastier for our finicky friends.
I prefer most Royal Canin therapeutic diets over the Hill’s RX diets anyway. I think they are much more palatable and have higher quality ingredients with less by-products and preservatives. I actually have my cats on the Calorie Control diet.
OK, I’ll stop going on about the RC therapeutic foods, but seriously, try it! You don’t need a prescription for it like you do for the Hill’s foods but you do have to buy it from a veterinarian. If your vet doesn’t carry it, call around to other vets in the area or call Royal Canin and ask them where the closet place is where you can buy their products. (800) 592-6687. If there is a bigger emergency hospital in your area they should carry it. I don’t know where you live so I can’t really help you out with that part, but good luck and I hope she likes it!

http://www.royalcanin.us/products/productdetail.aspx?ID=104

Oh, there is also another Royal Canin renal diet called LP but I don’t think that goes over any better than the k/d chicken as far as flavor. But it does come in pouches so it’s more of the chunks and gravy deal than the regular mushy food so if your cat is into that sort of thing, they may prefer LP & you might want to try that.

http://www.royalcanin.us/products/productdetail.aspx?ID=105

QUESTION:
Information on wet food diet for cats?
We’ve recently lost our 13 year old cat, Indy, to liver and kidney failure. I have tried and failed to get our surviving cat, Callie (approx. 7 years old), on a raw diet (she absolutely refuses–she’s a VERY finicky eater) After doing some more research, I’ve found that between dry and wet food, that wet food is best for cats. Does any one know some high quality wet food brands? And does anyone have any advice for successfully switching her to a new, wet food diet?

Help would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you, Scott B That’s exactly what I was looking for!
Thanks, everyone!
And as to dry food, my experience has been that it doesn’t really *do* anything for dental health…maybe that’s just been my animals, and not anyone else’s. But I am hoping that if I can get her to eat a wet food diet, then I can encourage her to crunch on some bones when she gets adjusted to the change

ANSWER:
Good for you! Wet food is MUCH better for cats. Dry food is filled with grains, has too low of a water content and too high carbs for cats, which are obligate carnivores. Dry food for cats is a species inappropriate diet.

Most of the answers to your questions (and a lot more) can be found at Dr Lisa’s site:

http://www.catinfo.org/

QUESTION:
How does Hill’s Prescription Diet k/d for Cats help a cat with kidney failure?
Our vet has recommended that our 16 year old cat be put on k/d, saying that he’s starting to show signs of kidney failure. How does this food work to help his condition? We have another elderly cat, age 17, who is not experiencing kidney failure. Would it be harmful to her to ingest the other cat’s k/d food? I doubt I would be able to completely segregate them from getting into each other’s food, so we’d like to just switch both of them over. Any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks!

ANSWER:
KD food is not the answer. it is very poor quality food that is very low in protein which is the reason your vet is recommending it. Most of the newer thinking is that it is not high protein but the quality of protein that is fed that makes the difference. Many dry foods use horrible stuff and a vegetable based protein instead of animal. You would want to feed your cats canned foods that are low in phosperous which would be appropiate for both of them. (no fish)
here is a link to a post I made earlier to someone with crf that has alot more info in it

QUESTION:
What are some good sites/brands for feline renal diet cat food? My cat needs a wide variety & eats only dry?
My cat has chronic renal (kidney) failure and often gets sick of his food. It’s really important that he eats. Any good sites that have a wide variety of renal diet cat food? I would buy a bunch of different kinds and keep switching it around. He won’t eat canned, only dry.

If you don’t know any sites can you tell me what brand you’ve personally given to your cat? Thanks.

ANSWER:
You need to get him off the dry food. It’s like pouring gasoline on a fire to feed him that. My cat also has CRF. When we first found out, the vet gave him Hill’s K/D. He hated the food and I hated the fact it was so low in protein. I decided to feed him better protein instead of less so I tried Wellness. It worked wonders. I now do a rotation of Wellness, EVO, and Blue Buffalo. He has made remarkable improvements with it.

QUESTION:
Where can I get a flavouring to make renal diet cat food tasty?
needs to be
- safe for a cat with reduced kidney function, ie. low salt, low phosphorous
- available in the uk

ANSWER:
My cat was diagnosed with kidney disease 2 weeks ago. She cannot have salt, phosphorous, etc., just like your cat. She is a little bit more severe though. She will not eat the dry/wet prescription food from the vet either. So, I went to the grocery and bought tuna fish that has the low sodium on the front of the can and mix that in with her wet and dry food. Only a very little is all it takes.

She eats it now.

QUESTION:
Is Innova a good cat food or is it too high protein?
I got a new cat @ the shelter and I want to switch her onto a good quality food. I researched and Innova among other names came up. I heard, however, that feeding too high protein diet gives cats kidney problems??? I know it is high protein. My cat is a spayed female, age 2. Please advise the best food choices for her. I lost my beloved cat about a month ago and do not want this new cat to get sick! Thanks

ANSWER:
That’s absolutely not true that it “gives them kidney problems”. Cats are obligate carnivores and the more protein, the better.

Evo is an excellent – one of the best on the market. It’s not always easy to find, though. One I use that’s far easier to find and quite comparable is Blue Buffalo Wilderness. It’s grain free, 45% meat protein and easily found at PetSmart and Petco.

Also give your cat canned food daily as well. Read some of the articles at http://www.littlebigcat.com/index.php?action=library Really great info about cat nutrition and what cats should – and shouldn’t – be eating.

QUESTION:
13 yr old cat with poor kidneys on KD diet now is urinating outside the box and staying downstairs so whY?
for 11/2 yrs after diagnosed with l failed kidney and l on the decline I have been feeding KD diet and keeping indoors..except he wanted to get outside desperately these
past 2 weeks..now he only sleeps downstairs and acts very nervous

ANSWER:
At thirteen years old, I’m sure you can add arthritis to your cat’s may illnesses. That’s probably why he wants to stay downstairs, so he doesn’t have to climb the stairs, which would be painful for him. Is he shakey? Is that what makes you think he is nervous? I’m thinking that is probably a weakening of the cat in general. Please take him to the vet for further treatment/diagnosis. Good luck.

QUESTION:
What are some natural remedies and diet tips for my cat’s kidney disease?
My cat, 6 yrs old, could possibly have kidney failure (it might be a bladder infection but I won’t find out for another 2 weeks after antibiotics); he’s still energetic and doesn’t show any signs of illness. Ironically I have kidney disease as well and am using natural remedies like dandelion root tea and other herbs. Wheatgrass has also improved my health a lot. I am wondering these herbs would apply to cats as well?

Does anyone have any suggestions for diet (should it be homemade)? I’ve been doing research and they all say low salt, but some sites say good high quality protein while others say low protein. And should I stop using the chemical Frontline (flea medicine) on my cat?

Also, where on my cat are his kidneys located?

Thanks!

ANSWER:
First off…the kidneys are located just past the send of the rib cage on both sides…the right kidney is slightly closer to the front of the cat. Frontline Plus doesn’t go into the animals system, so it will have no effects on the kidneys…so don’t stop using it. I wouldn’t reccomend any “natural remedies” without consulting your vet…cats and people can very different recations to plants…and a lot of plats can be nephrotoxic (toxic to the kidneys) in cats!

A diet wont help kidney failure until bloodwork confirms Azotemia…this means the that BUN and CREATINIE are elevated. So unless this has been confirmed by your vet, changing the diet wont help. However, if Azotemia is confirmed, then a low protein/low phospherous diet is highly recomended. The protein that is in the kidney diets is a high quality one. Several brands make kidney diets…. Purina NF, Royal Canin/IVD modified….Hill’s K/D….. Royal Canin Renal LP….. However, they are by prescription only, so you have to get them from your vet. If you are interested in making your own diet, you can contact UC Davis, and for a small fee, they will formulate a diet you can cook at home specificaly for your cats needs….

I’m not sure why its going to take so long to confirm that your cat has kidney disease…a simple blood test should confirm if the kidney values are normal or not.

Good Luck!

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=572

http://www.felinecrf.com/

QUESTION:
Instead of Hills G/D Prescription Diet for my cats, what is the best cat food available @ reasonable cost?
My cats were brought up on dry Science Diet. Then, one of my cats was placed on Nutro Weight Management and after a year had a kidney fail. The Vet put her on K/D Prescription diet then when she developed a bladder infection and other issues changed her to G/D Prescription diet. I’m not convinced that this is the right food for my cats. And I believe that they should have more protein! Thanks for any insight!

ANSWER:
I made the HUGE MISTAKE of feeding all my pets Science Diet over the past 20 plus years too, I was so blind!! After coming on here and reading posts about cats and food and protein mainly from the KEN poster, I wised up, again do research with what you read here like I did, you will be come wiser and have healthier pets! I often wonder if my love kitty Alex wouldn’t have suffered from Inflammatory Bowel Disease if I had feed her higher protein food!!? She has since passed I miss her so!! NOW my diabetic Cat’s blood sugar went down over 200 points by a food change, it was hard and I had to balance her insulin and check her blood sugar 2-3 or more times a day but I am happy to say she is taking a LOT LESS insulin now, and that makes me happy. Her system just couldn’t digest all those grains/carbs!! Anyway GOOD LUCK

QUESTION:
Need ideas for low-protein cat diet.?
I have a 15-year old cat whose kidneys are failing. I’ve read he needs a low protein diet, but have no clue what to feed a carnivore who won’t eat veggies. He’s not digesting his food right because of the protein in his food not going thru the kidneys right, and he’s basically a walking, furry bag of bones. I realize soon he’ll probably have to be put to sleep, but he still seems happy and purrs, so at this point I’d just like to put some weight on him. So far all I can get him to eat without meat or fish is mashed potatoes and cream gravy (from a mix, no real meat or milk in it). Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Low-protein, not no-protein, he’s a cat, a carnivore, he can’t survive without some protein, which is why he’s still eating cat food. I’m just trying to put some weight on with the potatoes & gravy since his body isn’t processing the protein correctly. His kidneys still work, they just get overloaded with a regular cat diet, so he needs less protein.

ANSWER:
Does high protein cause kidney disease?
No. This myth probably started because, in the past, patients with kidney disease were commonly placed on low-protein (and thus low-nitrogen) diets. Today, we often put them on a diet that is not necessarily very low in protein, but instead contains protein that is more digestible (therefore producing fewer nitrogen by-products). These diet changes are made merely because damaged kidneys may not be able to handle the excess nitrogen efficiently. In pets with existing kidney problems, nitrogen can become too high in the bloodstream which can harm other tissues.

Unless your veterinarian has told you your pet has a kidney problem that is severe enough to adjust the protein intake, you can feed your pet a normal amount of protein without worrying about “damaging” or “stressing” your pet’s kidneys. Also, keep in mind the fact that you are not “saving” your pet’s kidneys by feeding a low-protein diet.

Generally, purchasing a reputable, quality brand of cat food that fits your cat’s activity level will be just fine. However if your cat has special protein needs, or you want to find the best possible food for your budget, then you must interpret the often-confusing label.

Keep in mind that the protein level shown on the bag or can does not indicate the percentage of digestible protein, just the overall protein content. To roughly determine the amount of digestible protein, read the ingredients and note the order in which they appear. Ingredients are listed in order of weight. Chicken, beef, fish and lamb are very digestible, and if they are listed as the first ingredient on the label, you can assume the food is a good quality protein source. In addition to digestibility, the amino acid content is important. Most grains are low in one or more amino acids, and need to be combined with other sources to provide all of the essential amino acids.

It is a good idea to follow this general rule: try to find a food in the upper to middle price range. And keep in mind the highest-priced foods are not necessarily the best foods, and the lowest-priced foods are not always of poor quality.

QUESTION:
Special diet cat food?
My cat has been diagnosed with kidney stones and bladder infection and the vet says he needs to eat special food. The problem is we have other cats in the house so they all have to be on it to avoid the one with a problem getting other food. I bought a 20lb bag of Hills Science Diet from the vet and it was . This is a bit steep for us feeding all of the cats. Is there any other brands you could suggest that is just as good but a bit eaiser on the wallet? Thanks!

ANSWER:
There is no other less expensive food that will dissolve stones. There are some other urinary tract care foods you can find at the pet stores. But often times the cat with problems will end up back at the vet with another big bill after feeding something else. I realize it is expensive to feed the food suggested, but it should help pay for itself in the long run. A lot of cats gain weight on it, so you won’t need to feed nearly as much as you did other foods. The cats may think they are being deprived, but they won’t NEED as much.

QUESTION:
What are some good sites for discount (or not discount) cat foods on renal diets? My cat needs a wide variety?
My cat has chronic renal (kidney) failure and often gets sick of his food. It’s really important that he eats. Any good sites that have a wide variety of renal diet cat food? He won’t eat canned, only dry….thanks!

ANSWER:
Try adding “Nuri-Cal ” to his diet.

“Energize your dog or cat with this palatable high calorie and vitamin dietary supplement. For dogs and cats who will not eat or need an added source of energy. Great for sporting and working dogs. Excellent for pregnant or ill dogs and cats. Especially helpful with the picky eater.”

-”Brand Name
Nutri-Cal (Tomlyn)
-Active Ingredient(s):
(per 6 gm teaspoon) Vitamin E (5 IU), Vitamin B1 (1.7mg), Vitamin B2 (0.2 mg), Vitamin B6 ( 0.8 mg), Vitamin B12 (1.9 mcg), Folic Acid (0.2 mg), Niacin (1.9 mg), d-Pantothenic Acid (0.9 mg). Also contains Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, EPA, DHA, Omega-6 and Omega-3 Fatty Acids.
-What is this product used for:
Nutri-Cal is a high calorie palatable dietary supplement used to provide supplemental caloric and nutritional intake in dogs and cats. It is also used to provide an added source of energy in hunting and working dogs. Calorie content is 338 Cal/100g (20 Cal/6g)
-Availability:
Nutri-Cal is a non-prescription (OTC) product.
-How this product should be used:
For supplemental use when animal is eating properly give 1 and ½ teaspoonfuls per 10 lbs of body weight daily. When animal is not consuming full feed ration, give 3 teaspoonfuls (1 tablespoonful) per 10 lbs of body weight daily.
-What are the side effects:
There are no reported side effects”
~~~
“Your veterinarian may prescribe a low protein/low salt/low phosphorus diet for your CRF cat. This diet is designed to reduce the amount of waste materials in the system that must be filtered out by the kidneys. The low salt and low phosphorous help control the electrolyte imbalances that are common with CRF. While there is no cure for CRF, this diet may slow the progression of the disease.* CRF cats sometimes have a difficult time eating any foods because they tend to secrete excess stomach acids. Since these foods are often less palatable than the commercial foods, you must be patient and persistent in your efforts to get your cat to eat the prescribed diet.

Some cats may eat some or all of these foods, but many cats absolutely refuse to eat any. DO NOT starve the cat. If a cat doesn’t want to eat, it WON’T. Remember that it’s most important for them to keep food intake and body weight up. When introducing a new low protein diet, start by gradually increasing the new food and decreasing the old. This procedure could take anywhere from a week to a month depending on how finicky your cat is. If your cat doesn’t like a dry version of the new diet, try the canned and vice versa. ”

QUESTION:
Diet for cat with kidney issues?
I have been feeding my cat Chicken Soup for the Cat Lover’s Soul, which gets very high ratings as a good quality food with few artificial ingredients. My elderly cat, however, is starting to show early signs of kidney disease, and I think the food may have too much protein for her. My vet has recommended Hills K/D for her, but I swear I’m convinced that vets get some sort of kickback from Hills because they recommend their food for one thing or another everytime I’m in there. Does anyone know anything about pet nutrition and what a good food for a cat with burgeoning kidney issues would be ? (BESIDES Hills ?….unless you can give me a good argument of why they really would be the best food. I’ve heard their foods really aren’t very good from an overall nutrition standpoint)
Wow, great answers so far. I expected a lot of “opinions” but it sounds like a lot of you have experience and/or have done your research. Thank you so much !

ANSWER:
The original thought was that low protein diets helped the cat deal with kidney stress. Hills K/D was developed for this–however cats don’t want to eat it.

CURRENT thought, due to new research, shows high protein diets are best, with a high water intake for the cats so their kidneys are helped in their function. You need to keep the cats hydrated, that’s the biggie. Canned food is best, it has higher moisture content.

Mine is CRF, showing kidney disease (he’s 19 after all) but he’s been stable for 4 years with this. I put out extra water bowls and he’s on a canned diet, good quality food.

There are very good CRF sites online (Chronic Renal Failure) in regards to cats, just go to google.com and type in ‘feline CRF’ and read the basics. There are also feline kidney issue groups over on YahooGroups for cat owners as well, and you can discuss the disease with other owners who are treating their cats. Even the Handicats group has talked about kidney issues, so there’s plenty of places to go for help.

QUESTION:
BARF diet for Cats…anyone?
I have a male adult cat who has been troubled by a horrible illness called Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) I was told by the vet he’d end up with cancer in the colon. Yes, he had chronic colitis, a problem in the large intestine which was causing my pet bleed through the rectum and horrible, nonstop diarrhea. My kitty was getting weary of his suffering and I was getting so, so tired of throwing away bed sheets, cleaning after him every day sometimes 2 times a day. I could not sleep well just thinking of what else I could have possibly found dirty in the house. He never went outside the box, but all that blood, with colon mucose coming out he could not control. My cat got to a point where he could not sit down comfortably, and there was bloody diarrhea in his tail, kitchen counter, tables, furniture etc ALL THE TIME.

I did not want to watch my cat give up and not do anything, so I did some research and finally switched him to a species appropriate diet: cooked or raw meat with bones, organs and probiotics and digestive enzymes. I now am keeping all my cats on the BARF diet, always making sure I get fresh food from animals which were not cured or injected with substances to keep the meat fresh. I also make sure to keep the phosphorus-calcium ratio right, and it’s been a year now since I have not seen signs of IBD. My cat’s stools are formed and healthy. My vet says my cat looks incredibly fine.

So, I just wanted to see how many follow this diet and what you think of it. I am aware of the risks, like toxoplasmosis, but my cat was dying in front of my eyes on Science Diet, Purina, Iams, Prescription foods like Hill’s z/d etc, and many, many more expensive commercial foods and not one helped my poor feline. He was on antibiotics and prednisone all the time and nothing ever worked! So, I learned that cats are obligate carnivores and need to eat other animals to live a better life. I have noticed too many cases of IBD, Diabetes, Obesity, UTI, Kidney Disease, and cancer, all because we’re feeding species inappropriate foods to our precious pets. The number of sick ones keeps increasing, and we are responsible.

Anyone trying out this diet? I’d love to hear some of your experiences.
If anyone is interested, this website I’m about to provide is one of the best and I am a client of them. I encourage everybody to take a look. Their service is high quality. Thank you ladies!

www.hare-today.com

ANSWER:
When I first was investigating the raw diets I was on groups where people reported that many cats would be “cured” of IBD within 48 hours. I have had no experience of that with my cats so I’m happy to hear another testimonial to the efficacy of a raw meat diet for cat health.

I too only do a 50% raw diet. Right now I am down to my last frozen “muffin” of raw chicken. No hearts at the store today. When I called the market where I get my turkey parts last week they had just cleaned out the turkeys and thrown away the hearts and livers to use with the turkey.

Also, having acquired two kittens this summer I am going through the raw meat mixture at double the speed I am used to.

I’ve always had my one cat (2 years old) on Fromm four star salmon dry food, which she loves and seems to do very well on it. My 5 month old kitten loves it too, but I just mixed some in with her dry wellness kitten food.

So after some research, I saw the wet food vs. dry food debate and have read the pros and cons on each. Yes i know canned cat food is more like what they would eat in the wild, and it contains more moisture and is easier for the kidneys and can prevent obesity and diabetes since it has less carbs than dry food, so please spare me the details on why wet food is better, because I know.

My problem is, I did decide to try them on wet food, and I’ve tried everything that my pet store carries (wellness, chix soup, eagle holistic, natural balance, evolve, instinct, fromm, and others), but both of my girls really do not like canned food! Doesn’t matter the flavor, whether it’s loaf form or chunks in gravy — they turn their noses up and both LOVE the fromm four star dry food. I will not feed iams, euk, or science diet because I do not like the quality of those foods, so i’m not even gonna try those. There is ONE brand called weruva and it’s great food, and they will eat that – but it’s 3 dollars a can, and sorry – but I can’t afford that in the long run being that each cat gets a can of food for a day. So a months worth of cans is too expensive.

Now, can I just keep them on the dry food since they like it more? I mean it’s high quality and they enjoy it, and they drink plenty of water as well. I am careful as to how much to feed them so they do not become over weight. Growing up, my parents had always had their cats on dry kibble (not even good quality kibble!) and many of the cats lived to be 15+ years so I don’t know. Would it be all that bad if I just put them back on the dry food? Or do I just keep looking for some other canned food if dry food really is that bad? Thanks for your help.

ANSWER:
I would keep looking for a canned food they would enjoy. I have also recently done the research and would never feed dry again, due to the reasons you described above. I understand your issue with them not liking anything else, it’s sometimes hard to convince the cats about what is healthy for them (just like children who only want mcdonalds and candy )

Here is a good article on transitioning kibble junkies to wet food, maybe you will find some advice there: http://www.catinfo.org/docs/TipsforTransitioningPDF12-18-09.pdf

Yes, some cats make it with dry food only, but 10 years ago, there was not much attention paid to why the cats died eventually, so the food could have contributed. 15 is a medium life span, but a lot of cats live up to 20. And sometimes there are exceptions, just like heavy smokers living past 100. That doesn’t mean that majority of them won’t die much earlier.

One thing though: I would avoid gravy in wet food, gravy means there are more carbs, which contribute to obesity and diabetes. Some other brands to try would be Merrick, Nature’s Variety, EVO, Blue Buffalo Wilderness. If your store doesn’t carry them, you can get them online, which is often cheaper.

If your cats won’t absolutely take up wet food, you may also consider raw feeding. I supplement my cats canned diet with raw meat with good results, and I’m thinking of eventually going all raw. My cat is slowly taking up to that and I feel that is even more healthy than canned, even though it takes a little more work.

I hope you will find what you’re looking for, and I think you are doing a great job at trying to give your cats the best!

Good luck!

QUESTION:
About Hill’s Science and Prescription diet?
I’ve been reading a lot of opinions and articles that say that Hill’s Science and Prescription Diet pet food has really low quality ingredients and is really bad. The thing is when my cat got out of surgery she ate Hill’s A/D food wich the veterinarian recomended because of it’s soft consistency, it really helped since I had to feed her with a syringe, since then we change my other cats diet too, he has kidney problems so we buy Hill’s Prescription Diet specially for that, it’s either that or home cooking. I am really confused by this reports, if it’s so bad, why does the vet recomend it? why is it so expensive? and of course, where can I find substitutes for their specialized products. People have recomended organic brands but they don’t make food for specific clinical conditions like Hill’s does. Thank you!

ANSWER:
I use Hills Prescription Diet t/d dental health for my cat and I also am feeling conflicted because my vet recommends it but I have also herd it was bad.All I can say at the moment is that since I have changed her food I have noticed she is happier and more active, she prrrs very loud when she eats now witch she never used to do………I would just go with what your cat seems to be happy with.I do think that it’s worth the money compared to store brands.

QUESTION:
is catnip safe for cats with kidney problems?
is catnip safe for cats with kidney problems?
my 12 year old cat has been on a special prescription diet for renal problems for a couple of years (hill’s k/d). Thankfully he has no symptoms and seems healthy in spite of his compromised kidneys. Anyway.. like most cats, he loves catnip. Does anyone know if cats with kidney disease have problems processing catnip/ excreting it? Is it ok to keep giving it to him? thanks!

ANSWER:
As far as I know cats don’t eat catnip, they just like the aroma so you probably don’t need to worry.

QUESTION:
What alternative low protein diet is there to prescription foods for Kidney Disease cats?
Hi, I was advised yesterday by my Vet that my 17 year old cat has kidney disease. I have been told that she will need monthly anabolic steroid injection, along with prescribed daily tablets and I have to put her on a low protein diet such as Hills k/d or Royal Canin Renal Food. I have been horrified at the cost of these two prescribed diets and wonder if there is a cheaper alternative. Thanking you.
The vet has said my cat has to have an anabolic steroid injection monthly to help maintain her weight.

ANSWER:
why is your vet giving steroids. Steroids are not part of treatement for the standard cases of renal failure.
the prescription diets are ideal, however if you cannot afford them, tell your vet and find the food in the store with the lowest protien (probally a senior diet)
Many animals with renal issues get regualr tretments of subcutaneous fluids-often the owner is trained to do this at home.

QUESTION:
Just got back from the veterinarian – kidney failure dilemma?
Last night my 9yr. old male cat, Harvey, was going to the litterbox every few minutes – been through this before. He’s on low-pH food, had UTIs and struvite crystals. So I took him in to the vet. this morning after he ate breakfast. No red or white blood cells in the urine, no crystals, no sugar – everything looks normal except that his urine is too dilute. Well, the thing is, I put about 3 tablespoons of water in his wet food at each meal, so that might be the source of the dilute urine.

The vet. looks at it and says it might be an indication of early kidney failure – so early that it would not show up in blood work. She suggested putting the cat on a low-protein diet for cats with kidney failure, because it might spare the kidneys enough for him to have several more good years. Bu if he’s got healthy kidneys and the wacky numbers are just from the water I put in his food, what are the dangers of a low-protein diet in an otherwise healthy cat?

ANSWER:
Short answer: NO, I would NOTput your cat on a low protein diet; but research the alternatives and discuss with the vet.

VERY LONG answer (not even cut and pasted! Sorry for Length!) :
Fortunately it sounds like if Harvey does have kidney trouble it is still very mild. Did they test for microalbuminuria? ( a test developed in the last several yrs, an early indicator of compromised kidney function). In combination with the dilute urine, that would be more significant.

About the food: I myself have had 2 cats with CRF, (years ago,) and if, God forbid, another cat of mine should some day have CRF

Many vets today - -including those at the cat-only clinic we go to- -now believe that it is important to focus more on the quality of the protein than the quantity, and to limit phosphorus....the vet I talked to told me that he now believes that even in late stage CRF it is better to feed a high quality MEDIUM protein diet (not the high protein that is optimal for a healthy cat, but not low protein which is terrible for a cat) . Right now you might not need to feed decreased protein at all, but focus rather on source of protein & the phosph. So you should research this issue more and discuss it with your vet.

Your first stop should be (as others mentioned) the Feline CRF Information Center. http://wwwfelinecrf.com . This is a super resource. There is also an online discussion list that will give you info and much support, there's probably more than one now, but yrs ago I found it through that site.

For general kidney and urinary function, it is best to feed a wet diet, very little or no fish, and I would add a little warm water to the food- - as it sounds like you are doing.. But for more great info on feline nutrition, go to Dr. Lisa Pierson's site at http://www.catinfo.org

http://www.geocities.com/jmpeerson/index.html

the Janet & Binky canned cat food chart, which will give you nutrition info on many different foods. You want medium protein and low phosphorus.
You'll need to get several litter boxes and put them around the house so he doesn't have to go far, because if he does have kidney disease, he will pee a lot and may not make it there if it's only one in the basement or something.

Don't be afraid to do research and share it with your vet. A good vet will not resent you bringing to them info on serious veterinary research . Vets have to have such a broad spectrum of knowledge that there is no way they can keep up with the latest research in every subject for every species and still have any time to see patients. (Still, feline CRF is SO common that I wish more vets knew that low-protein is no longer considered the only way to go.)

PS: i noticed another answerer who mentioned diabetes and diet unfortunately was misinformed. It is dry food that is much higher in carbs that can't be processed by cats and can lead to diabetes. ( I have a diabetic cat and have done a a great deal of research on this from reliable veterinary sources....if you're interested see Dr. Pierson's site or the link on her site to the article from JAVMA by Dr.Zoran.).

Good luck, I'm glad Harvey (cute name!) has someone like you who takes good care of him and is keeping informed!

QUESTION:
Is a raw food diet safe for my 3 cats with medical issues?
I have 5 cats but it is only 3 I am worried about. 5 year old male with a history of urinary blockages controlled with Hills Prescription Diet c/d. 13 year old male in mild kidney failure. He has had 2 flare ups requiring us to give subcuteaneous fluids but is fine currently. 9 month old male adopted 2 months ago who had severe coccidia infection when we brought him home. After two days he started leaking diarrhea all the time. We did several weeks of prednisone and flaggyl which have cleared up the coccidia. After resolving the coccidia he still had leakage and a mucusy discharge so vet suspected IBS and put him on Hills Prescription Diet d/d which is a rabbit and pea based food. We haven’t had any leakage in a couple of weeks now so she said to stay on this food.

I looked into the raw food diet before but my vet recommended against it for fear of salmonella, etc. I still would like to give it a try but would love to hear from others using a raw diet with ill cats.
I should have been more specific as to the treatment of the coccidia. He tested positive for coccidia which was treated with Albon(?sp) and Prednisone. We did three rounds of this with no improvement. At that point the vet said that it could be IBS and put him on Flaggyl for two weeks and the HIlls food. Her explanation for the IBS was that he was allergic to the protein source (chicken) and that the HIlls uses rabbit. I thought this to be odd just because it seemed more logical to me that it was the corn and other grains that would be the problem since cats are carnivores. She said that it is normally not the case. I asked her about the raw diets I have seen (Feline Futures, Feline Instincts, and one off the catnutrition.com site). Her opion was that it wasn’t safe due to the risk of salmonella, etc. I thank those who have responed and would love to hear from more raw feeders.

ANSWER:
I can’t help you much, I’m afraid, but I’m answering because I hate seeing all the ignorance out there about raw meat diets.

I’m sorry to say you have more sense than your vet. Or should I be sorry? LOL Whatever, you know more than she does.

Yes, the prescription diets work. But why sentence a cat to a lifetime of crappy, inferior foods? You’re right to consider alternatives. Yay you!

The kidney/protein thing is being rethought, but I don’t know enough to advise you.

What I can recommend is this – find a raw friendly vet in your area. Perhaps this will be a holistic vet – most of them seem to have a clue when it comes to proper nutrition. This way you can get one-on-one advice about the best diets for your problem kids.

It may cost more at least up front, but I do believe it’s worthwhile. I just recently switched vets. I took one cat to a good cat specialist, although I was sad to see Science Diet, Eukanuba and Royal Canin being sold. I took my problem child (weight, digestive issues) to a holistic vet and it was a religious experience! I got personalized advice that I would have paid any price for. But it only cost me 0, and that included a few items I bought.

If nothing else, I suggest you join the Yahoo group Whole Cat Health. It’s a fantastic group and the moderator probably knows everything there is to know about cats. If she or other members can’t advise you, they can at least point you in the right direction.

In the meantime, feel secure leaving your cats eating the overpriced, but somehow effective, prescription food. They’ll hang in there until you’ve had time to do some research.

My question is, can someone check this recipe and see if it’s balanced for my cat??? I worry about him not eating enough bone (calcium) because he won’t gnaw on bones, so I either have to grind them up really fine (like dust) in a grinder or, what does anyone think about supplementing with calcium supplements??? Or is that a no for cats??? How about crushed eggshells? Can that be used for long term though?

I find such conflicting information online about how much calcium/phosphorus is in what, and the P:Ca ratio is soooo important for cats!!! As is TAURINE. How can I be sure my cat is getting enough? A few sources say beef heart is great taurine — but how can I make sure my cat is getting enough? Do ya’ll supplement taurine???

My cat eats twice a day and weighs 12.5 lbs (healthy).

ANYWAY, here is the recipe to make 7 meals (enough for a week) — PLEASE tell me if this requires any supplementation or tweaking and if so, what!:

2.5 lbs (40 oz.) chicken wing & thigh (with bone & skin) – put through a grinder once to smash up the bones and chunk up the meat. I do not finely grind the meat as my cat will eat small chunks of meat.

1 raw egg yolk

2 crushed eggshells

1.5 oz. of unsalted, fresh sardines (with bone)

4 oz. raw beef heart (chunked)

4 oz. raw beef liver (chunked)

1 cup water

I just worry my cat wouldn’t get the right amount of everything he needs daily with this diet, as the chunks don’t distribute evenly when separated into individual meal containers and since he doesn’t eat bone. Would adding a 600 mg calcium & 1000 mg taurine supplement to each daily meal container be harmful or beneficial? Also, if my cat gets too much calcium or too much phosphorous one day, but it balances out over the course of a week, will it harm his insides?

ANSWER:
I will try to return to this question later in the day. By then hopefully, you’ll have gotten more answers.

As I understand it taurine is present in all animal tissues but is heat-sensitive so coking destroys much of it. Therefore, if feeding raw, it should not be an issue.

With the calcium, cats do have a massively high requirement compared with humans. I believe it is 10 times higher based on body weight.

The issue with most calcium sources is that they are associated with high magnesium levels as well. And if not, as with many human dietary supplements, they are the wrong form of calcium.

The best form of calcium for your cat is calcium hydroxyapitite. This is the calcium in bone. So I suggest a human grade dietary supplement bone meal. One brand that comes in loose powder form is Kal.

I am resuming feeding my cats a part raw diet within a day. I just got this product I ordered. All I’m missing is the meat.

http://www.felinefuture.com/

I had some difficulty with raw before because balancing/supplementing was a lot of work. And I’m not the most organized person so I gave up. Looks like it will be easier this time.

Hope this has helped for now.

QUESTION:
Low protein cat diet?
My cat was recently diagnosed with kidney failure. I cannot get him to eat the low protein prescription diet food that my vets have recommended (Science Diet KD, Royal Canin Renal L, Royal Canin Modified). He would rather starve then eat these. I’ve been going to a holistic pet store and been told that it is more important to feed high quality but low quantity protein, not low protein. He really likes Weruva and Tiki Cat canned foods which are natural and holistic. I’m trying to reduce the quantity I give him by mixing half a can with rice and broth for breakfast and then doing the same with the 2nd half at dinner. Thus I’m only giving him one can of high quality protein canned food a day but supplementing the rest with rice and sometimes veggies. He seems to be taking to this diet okay but I’m concerned if this is healthy or not and is this method considered ‘low protein’ since I’m essentially giving him less of it. Any advice? Thanks to all.

ANSWER:
Well he needs to eat, so I’d feed him what he will eat. Not many cats will eat the prescription diets for renal failure. This is an excellent site about CRF which I strongly recommend. It can be a bit overwhelming at first, but it is full of useful information. It also has lists of foods (prescription and non prescription) with their protein, phosphorus etc content.

http://www.felinecrf.org/

The idea of giving cats with CRF low protein is actually a bit controversial, esp in the early stages. The idea is based on the fact that humans with kidney failure do best on lower protein, but humans are not carnivores like cats. The site above talks a bit about that.

QUESTION:
‘Best diet for older cats”?
My Cat is 17 and she has hyper-thyroidism, low kidney function, and arthritis.

She only weights 6.5 lbs (lost one pound this last 6 months and has stopped eating as much.

I have been giving her Baby food (meat only) for the last month and she really liked it for a while, but has now lost interest. I tried baby formula, but she (for the first time in her life) passed gas that was quite offensive.

I’d like her to be as happy and strong in her old age as possible. So I”m looking for ideas. I’d like to stay away from conventional cat food if possible and provide her enjoyable alternatives (otherwise, she won’t eat..)

Thanks so much, Paula

ANSWER:

QUESTION:
Is it ok for a non CRF cat to sustain on a KD diet?
My cat has kidney disease, and I’m considering taking in another cat who doesn’t have the condition. I know it’s more expensive, but this would be out of convenience so they don’t need to be segregated.

ANSWER:
It is not even right for a crf cat tp eat that stuff. Both need proper food for the species. Your cat most likelt got crf from eating dry foods Cats need protein to survive and KD is light on protein to let the kidneys work less. Proper food can do the same thing without causing harm

If your cat is not in final stages, this is not want you want to do. You do not want to put your cat on the
Vets low protein diet. There are simply so many better options out there than to hand the poor cat a low amount of poor quality protein – which often results in a poor appetite and muscle wasting since the body is now robbing its own muscle mass to feed itself a decent quality and amount of protein.
. There are new thoughts on this and the thinking is it is not the amount of protein but the quality of protein that matters.
The Merck veterinary manual [www.merckvetmanual.com] says that cats need “4 g of protein of high biologic value per kg body wt/day”. That’s about 7 calories from protein per pound body weight per day. If a cat isn’t a good eater and consumes, say, 20 calories per pound per day, then 7/20 = 35% of calories can safely be from protein. It must be high quality protein, which means meat, milk, and eggs, and not grain or soy.

I am under the assumption that you have been feeding mostly dry foods. Many use a vegetable based protein instead of animal and that is part of the problem.. Your cat needs protein as it is a carnivore and cutting down on it will lead to other health issues and may cause faster degeneration.
You want to cut down on phosphorous (no fish allowed now)

The best way to do this is with a raw diet which you can make yourself or buy. (Making yourself is better) link provided at the bottom
If you are unwilling to do that then something like the non fish flavors of Wellness or Merrick with NO grains are good alternatives. Wysong is also a good canned choice. This list gives a breakdown. Remember you want low phosphorous

http://binkyspage.tripod.com/CanFoodOld.…

http://binkyspage.tripod.com/CanFoodNew.…

You should be giving sub-Q fluids as needed.

You also will want to look into phosphorous binders. Something like aluminum hydroxide
Ask your vet or look into calcitrol

You may want to talk to the vet about having injectable Pepcid AC on hand or you can buy it in pill form (ac not plain pepcid) and give 1/4 tab for stomach upset which happens a lot in crf cats due to acid in the stomach.
I hope this stuff helps, here are many links for you
Please read this about diet

QUESTION:
Does anyone feed their cat Hi Tor Diet for kidney disease?
Is this a good quality food like Hill’s prescription k/d?

ANSWER:
I’ve never heard of these so I looked them up. Their list of ingredients isn’t overly impressive – beef is debatable as a steady diet, byproducts are debatable as well.

I can’t say whether or not these foods are any good or whether they do what they’re supposed to, but if I were you I’d do some research into kidney disease in cats and see what foods others are feeding them.

“Several nutritional supplements may be helpful for cats with kidney disease. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to be beneficial in CRF. Antioxidants are also important. Both of these are contained in the highly digestible algae, Biosuperfood. A nutritional supplement called “Renafood” from Standard Process, is a good renal detoxifier and helps to maximize kidney function in cats. Give one or two a day. Most cats eat them readily if they are crushed into the food. Call Standard Process at 1-800-558-8740 to find a distributor in your area. Remember, though, that the basic diet is the most important factor in your cat’s health, and no supplement will make up for poor quality nutrition. For more info on feeding, choosing a good food, and switching to a better diet, see the many nutrition articles in our Library.”

QUESTION:
why kidney failure is a leading cause of death for elderly cats eating a high-meat diet?
plz help me with my science homework?? thanks u guys rock

ANSWER:
I’ll answer since someone else may find this question in a search, and just in case you feel like getting more creative and challenging the assertion you’re supposed to be making here ( if you are supposed to argue the high meat diet as some sort of major causal factor in kidney disease)
I disagree with that premise. Cats are obligate carnivores and need to eat meat. A diet high in meat does not cause kidney failure. I think some of the old thinking about this came from studies on rats and they extrapolated from that to dogs and cats but later studies have not entirely supported this. It’s controversial and the veterinary thinking is evolving. .

http://www.littlebigcat.com/health/kidney-disease-in-older-cats/

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9582959?dopt=Abstract

I’ve seen some things about this in dogs, too – Here’s a whole lot of stuff: http://www.dogaware.com/health/kidneyprotein.html

The old way to treat chronic renal failure was to immediately put cats on a low protein diet. However this causes some serious side effects when used over months or years — anemia, weakness, muscle wasting, and a lower protein diet is less appetizing which is bad since cats with kidney disease already have trouble with lower appetite and weight loss Cats burn protein at a steady rate whether or not they get enough in their diet. If they don’t eat enough they break down their own body tissues for the protein, then their kidneys have to process that protein anyway!

The more recent thinking is that important to focus on :
* the quality of the protein –best being high quality easily digestible proteins – muscle meat from poultry or rabbit as opposed to fish and mystery meat byproducts.
*phosphorus level — that it’s really the PHOSPHORUS in the meat that is the problem. So now if necessary vets recommend using phosphorus binders to prevent the kidneys having to deal with it.

The vets at our feline specialty clinic no longer automatically recommend a low protein diet for cats diagnosed with chronic renal disease, until the end stage of the disease..

Re causes of kidney failure in cats: some vets now suggest one contributing factor is chronic dehydration due to a diet lacking in moisture. Cats were made to get their moisture from their food (originally of course from bodies of prey). Being descended from wildcats from dry regions, they did not develop a strong drive to drink a lot of water. So if they don’t get the moisture in their food, many cats do not drink enough to keep themselves properly hydrated. this is not good for the health of their kidneys / urinary tract.

QUESTION:
Cat Nutrition and Health: (Raw Feeders)?
If Kidney Disease, kidney Failure tend to run in some breeds of cats, (for one the Siamese breed). If you want to try to prevent it in the first place, WHY? can’t you feed your cat a kidney diet to begin with? Why, wait till symptoms appear. (it is usally too late by then). I’m talking about Raw Feeders here, Not commercial food feeders.
Is it because the kidney diet would be too low of protein or etc… for a non kidney prob. cat?
Thanks, God bless. Been pondering this for a while now.

ANSWER:
What you are writing here is strange. Raw by nature is high protein and many vets now believe that it is not the amount of protein fed but the quality. People feeding dry food any ties are feeding vegetable based protein instead of animal
Some crf patients are transitioning to a raw diet and any are having good success.
If you are talking about feeding a low protein diet to prevent kidney disease, you are just asking for trouble. Cats are obligate carnivores and need animal based protein to thrive
For quality for a carnivore, you want to feed a grain free diet as many cats have trouble with grains and the carbs that come from them. They haven’t done any studies on cats about this but if you look at this study with dogs which are omnivores, yoiu would think this would apply to a carnivore
This report is for dogs but applies to cats

http://www.geocities.com/Vienna/Opera/21…

Also for health
The Merck veterinary manual [www.merckvetmanual.com] says that cats need “4 g of protein of high biologic value per kg body wt/day”. That’s about 7 calories from protein per pound body weight per day. If a cat isn’t a good eater and consumes, say, 20 calories per pound per day, then 7/20 = 35% of calories can safely be from protein. It must be high quality protein, which means meat, fish, milk, and eggs, and not grain or soy. Are you making your own raw?(I assue so) If you need links on making your own don’t hesitate emailing

QUESTION:
Is it safe to feed a HEALTHY cat Special Renal Diet food?
One of my kitties has renal failure and has been put on Hills Prescription k/d Diet kitty food…
The other cat, who is 100% healthy and fat and is in no way kidney-impared, is BANANAS for this stuff….
so he eats Kidney Kitty’s food and SHE wants to eat what’s in HIS bowl so…
Is there any harm in letting the healthier one in on the renal diet?

ANSWER:
The renal diet probably won’t provide enough protein for your healthy cat. Read the label on the k/d food to see what it contains. A lot of times k/d foods will contain liver. If it’s just a particular ingredient that your healthy cat really likes, you could try buying a regular food that contains that ingredient.

Also, is your healthy cat eating a good quality food to begin with? If it’s an inexpensive brand, your cat could be craving the new food b/c it might have other nutrients, etc. that he’s been lacking.

If you can’t find anything else your health cat likes as much and you really want to just give him/her the renal food, at least call your vet first to make sure.

QUESTION:
Cats have hit a plateau on their raw diet. Help?
My cats are fussy eaters (as most are). They are about a month and a half on the raw diet. when they began they looked great no shedding or dander. But now, they have stopped eating anything besides pork and chicken, and have started to shed again.

We give them everything, kidneys, livers, gizzards, and hearts along with meat; chicken, pork and turkey. But they only want chicken meat and gizzards and pork meat. And not all three are eating it! one eats mostly pork while the other two go for poultry.

One has started eating bones, but I am not sure what I can do at this point. I want them to be healthy and be sure they are all getting the necessary nutrients.

ANSWER:
If you are properly preparing the diet then an all chicken diet is fine. I am not sure about an all pork diet. There is also rabbit that you can try. Are you grinding the bones?

http://www.catinfo.org/makingcatfood.htm#Meat_Types_and_Sources

QUESTION:
What is the best diet for cat’s in the very early stages of kidney problems (aka Chronic Renal Failure)?
Our cat appears to be in the early stages of kidney failure. She is 9 years old and has started to drink a bit more water than usual. She has got slightly dilute urine (confirmed) and had blood tests done earlier this week, but I am struggling to get the vet to return my calls with the results of the blood test….and the weekend is coming up. I’d like to get the cat onto a diet asap which puts minimum strain onto the kidney. Any specific suggestions? She is presently on ‘Senior’ food from Iams, Whiskas etc.
Thanks for the info so far. I guess it’s possible to become more of a feline nuitrition expert than a general vet with lots of reading. In the first instance, I have gone out and bought some Hill Science Food (wet not dry) which had the lowest protein content in the whole pet shop (7.2%). Her dry food has been discarded (which I understand is around 35% protein). She has always been given dry and wet food, but generally eaten very very little dry food.

BTW – Still not heard from the vet and the nurses won’t give out information. I think I may be changing vets!
Heard from the vet at last! Our cat is confirmed as early stage CRF. Creatin level is 199. She is also a bit anemic (figure quoted is 5.1 normal range is 5.5-10). Basically all the ‘levels’ are slightly up. He has prescribed a diet of ‘Royal Canin’ Renal and/or Hill’s k/d. She also has to take 1 x Fortekor 2.5. Good news is that she ate the food and ate the tablet!

ANSWER:
Keep off of tinned foods containing ash. Your vet will give you (SELL you!) some special dietary tinned stuff with which to feed your cat.

QUESTION:
I heard mixed reviews on Holistic Cat Food and Natural Diets for cats, are they good or not?
I’ve read that Natural brands of cat food can be high in magnesium and kill cats but, I’ve also read that cats that eat natural diets are at less risk for allergies, kidney problems, heart problems, or cancer. Indigo Moon Holistic Cat Food sounds good but, I’m not sure on its magnesium content or if anyone has had any serious problems when feeding their cat it. Is that brand as good as it claims? Here’s the link to the cat food:

http://www.solidgoldhealth.com/products/showproduct.php?id=90&code=90

I’m just not sure if natural diets are as good as they claim. Thanks for the help!

ANSWER:
Let me share with you what I have learned about feline nutrition to help you make an informed decision on what diet you should feed your cat.

Many brands of manufactured cat foods claiming to be “healthy” really are not. In fact they are made of the lowest ingredients possible. I’m not saying that a cat can’t live off them… just the same as you could live off hot dogs and Mac and cheese forever, but better choices can and should be made for your feline friends. I would not venture to say that any manufactured food is “best” for a cat but a grain free organic wet food would be a good start. Feeding canned is certainly better than feeding dry in all cases.

Cats were never meant to eat dry food, also known as cereals or kibble. We, humans, make them eat it for convenience to us. It has nothing to do with them or their nutritional needs. It’s completely species inappropriate.

All small domestic cats descended from desert cats. In the wild, desert cats derive their entire liquid intake from their prey. They do not have a thirst mechanism because they don’t need it when eating a species appropriate diet. They get all they need from what they eat. Additionally water was usually not available to them in their desert climate. So they do not often drink water. Regular ol’ house cats have descended from those same wild desert cats.

So in a home environment, your kitty does not get the moisture it needs from dry food and it’s almost always in a constant state of dehydration. Water fountains are encouraged to TRY to get your cat to drink more and your kitty may even enjoy it, but it will never meet its water intake needs drinking from a bowl.

Deadly feline illnesses such as diabetes, kidney failure, obesity, allergies, Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD), bladder stones, kidney stones, urinary tract blockages and Urinary Tract Infections (FLUTD), with and without deadly crystals run rampant these days. Cats are not taking in enough water to stave them off. Proper water intake through a species appropriate diet alone can prevent most of these conditions.

Overall, wet is all around better for any cats diet, be it canned or Raw and they should never be fed dry cereal kibble if we wish to most closely match their wild nutritional and dietary needs. Kibble meets our needs… not our cats.

I personally feed a Raw Meat and Bones based diet to my cats and they are very healthy on it. I HIGHLY recommend it. Once I got the hang of it and felt comfortable with it it’s a snap to prepare. It’s something you might want to consider someday. Cats are obligate carnivores after all and must derive ALL their nutrients from meat based sources. They are unable to absorb them from any other source. Despite thousands of years of domestication they remain strictly carnivorous. True and honest meat eaters and that is what they need most. Protein from meat!

If you are interested in feeding a raw diet (or just educating yourself about feline nutrition) a great place to start learning is www.catinfo.org .

If you would like to try raw with your cats and don’t want to get all technical about it but want to try a trusted, time tested and balanced raw diet you can order from felinespride.com. I purchased this myself when I first started and my cats loved it! Another premade Raw you can try is Natures Varity. I personally have never used this but know many people that do and it’s pretty easy to find.

If raw is not an option for you please be aware that there are three Categories of manufactured Pet Foods:

-”Grocery store” foods – (Special Kitty, Friskies, Meow Mix, Generic Brands and Grocery brands) Those foods found in grocery stores and mass-market retailers are made with lower-quality, less-digestible, inexpensive ingredients and are therefore a cheaper alternative. While easy on the pocketbook, “grocery store” foods normally do not provide your cat with the healthiest, most nutrient-dense ingredients.

-Premium foods – (Iams/Eukanuba, Purina One, Hills Science Diet, Nutro and such) Foods often found in grocery stores, pet stores, and veterinarian offices that contain higher-grade ingredients, but still include many elements of “grocery store” food, such as artificial colors, artificial flavors, chemical preservatives, and “filler” ingredients such as corn and wheat products, by-products and even animal digest. Yuck! Premium foods are usually more expensive than “grocery store” foods because their ingredients are sometimes of a higher quality, and are therefore somewhat more beneficial and digestible. But don’t be fooled, some of those same so called Premium brands are sometimes worse than grocery store foods, but they charge prices like they are better. They aren’t!

-Healthy foods – (Wellness, Merrick, Eagle Pack, Drs Foster & Smith) The newest addition to the pet food market – provide pets with the highest quality, healthiest, and most nutritious ingredients. They are typically available for purchase online or direct from the manufacturer. Some better retailers are starting to carry them now. Complete Petmart carries a few healthy brand foods. Foods in the Healthy class contain nutrient-rich ingredients. Formulated to provide optimum health benefits for pets, these foods often use real meat as the primary protein source, carbohydrate-rich whole grains like brown rice and barley and whole, fresh fruits and vegetables. They should not contain artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors. They will almost always be fortified with additional vitamins and minerals, and will use the best natural sources for fatty acids to help build healthy skin and a beautiful coat. Because healthy foods use high quality ingredients, you should expect to pay a little more than you would for other types of pet food. Remember, though, with healthy foods you can feed less since healthy foods are more nutrient-dense than other types of food so it often evens out or cost’s les than feeding foods filled with cheap non-nutritional by-products fillers.

With all that information in mind, when you are choosing a new cat food, study the ingredients. All ingredients on pet food labels are listed by weight. Meaning whatever ingredients are listed first on the list, there is more in there. The first ingredients listed should be whole meat ingredients, protein sources, such as Chicken or Turkey. NOT just the word “meat”! Who the heck knows what that is? The word Chicken Meal is ok, but it should be a secondary ingredient, not first. Meal is the meat dehydrated and ground into a powder.

The ingredients also should NOT include any by-products or animal digest whatsoever. Those are disgusting left over animal parts that are scraped off the filthy floors of meat and poultry plants. They should just go into the trash but they put them into pet food instead. EW!!!! Also make sure there are no artificial colors or flavors. And make sure there is no BHA and BHT used preservatives. These preservatives have been shown to cause cancer in both cats and dogs. Bad Bad stuff and it’s in almost every cat treat on the market. (

So, in summery of the ingredients… if you see the words by-products, Animal Digest, the word “meat” alone, Corn, Corn Gluten, Wheat Gluten, or BHA or BHT… stop reading, put down that product and move on to the next.

Be aware that when switching to a Healthy, Holistic or Organic food, you will pay for what you get. Good foods are not cheap. They are pricey and will cost you more than cheaper products, just like steak costs more than hotdogs. But again, you will be feeding a better food and improving the over all health of your pet. This in turn leads to less vet visits for illness now and more importantly later in life in their geriatric years. You will also feed less of this food on a per animal basis because a smaller amount of food contains what your cat needs. Overall healthy wet foods are well worth it, if only for the piece of mind that the ingredients are better for your cat than cheap crap.

You can start your research for a healthy cat food here if you are not ready to try feeding a Raw diet:
onlynaturalpet.com

QUESTION:
Regarding W/D vet prescribed diet for cat?
My 5 year old cat was recently put down due to kidney failure. He had been on W/D food for 4 years. I am asking if this food could have contributed to his kidney failure. I ask because I have another cat that is using this food. Thank you.

ANSWER:
No, that is highly unlikely. W/D is made by Hill’s, which is a very reputable company. It is a high fiber diet that is helpful for weight control and diabetic animals. Once a cat is diagnosed with kidney disease, there are other diets that may be better for them, and one made by Hill’s is called K/D – it is low in protein and low in salt with added antioxidants to promote kidney health. If your vet has recommended W/D for your cats and you are concerned that it is not the best diet, just ask for another recommendation. Kidney disease is very common in cats.

QUESTION:
Since all the scare on kidney failure, have you changed your cat’s diet?
Have you changed brands? If so, which do you feel safe with? I have a Himalayin female, and had been feeding her Nutro Naturals…which thank goodness wasn’t the particular dates on the list, but I’m still not comfortable giving it to her. I still have the dry food by Nutro. This is all so frustrating, as I thought I was buying one of the best foods for her, and now this! The breeder I got her from feeds her cats raw meat..along with dry food..I’ve never done that, any advice for that? Thanks for you help!
Thanks so much for all the great advice. Basicaly, thanks for the chicken and rice idea. I can do that! RuneAmok, great info. You have all given great advice and info and I appreciate it so much. This whole ordeal is so frustrating to me!! ( since I found out today that rat poisening is the culprit…or the stuff that makes the poisen,,,hey, no matter, it’s still poisen!) I have a case of the nutro naturals with lamb and rice,,,the dates/numbers don’t show up on the recall, but I’m still VERY hesitant on giving it to her, even though it is canned and has no gravy. All these answers are so good, not sure if I can just pick ONE!! Thanks! (keep advice, suggestions coming!)
Ok, yes I just realized I can’t spell,,,poison…lol

ANSWER:
This is a post that I gave to someone else but it appears that you might actually care what I’m telling you. I also used to feed my cats nutro because it was good and lower cost. But it was not the food itself that was bad, it was something in the preservative or something that is not made by the company. but a few things i’m found that my cats love are Solid Gold (ALL OF THESE WILL HAVE TO BE FOUND AND SPECIALTY STORES), Tikki Cat which is awesome because it has real whole fish in it, Merrik, and California natural. But here is the other info. All of the above food is Holistic and all Natural.

Well if you are on a budget you could make the food yourself. Chicken and rice is a good thing to feed your cat. You could get a free range chicken and some organic rice and cook it up use some chicken juice to make a gravy and your cat shouldn’t have any problem eating it. You could also go to your local fish guy and ask him for the bone of the fish after he fillets the fish, he shouldn’t charge you too much if anything. But if you want to feed your cat dry food there are a bunch of good brands that are between 10-15 dollars that are all natural and REALLY good for your cat. the brands are California Natural, Serengetti, Wellness. but those are just a few, I really recommend the all natural brands because they are so much better for your cat and will save you lots of money in the long run when it comes to the Vet and the health of your cat. But if you can’t afford those things and you don’t want to make your own food, any wet food is better than crap dry food. because 3/4 of a can of wet food is water and usually has less carbos (which are REALLY bad for your cat because they can’t metabolism them)…So i would only feed them food like friskies, whiskers, or things like that for as little time as you have to, but i would try some of the options before, you will have a much happier and healthier cat if you spend a little time preparing it. FYI make sure if you cook the chicken you feed your cat that you take the bones out, if your cat will eat raw chicken you can leave the bones in, it is REALLY good for their teeth! Hope this is helpful!

QUESTION:
CRF Diet for a cat?
Thanks for everyone’s support. My 16y/o cat was finally diagnosed with chronic renal failure yesterday (that’s what I expected). Thankfully, we seemed to have caught it in the beginning stages. I’ve been doing a ton of online reading about it, and have a friend whose cat has been doing great after being diagnosed with CRF 2 years ago (and has worse kidneys) so I’m feeling ok so far.

She will be getting fluids daily for starters and we’ll spread that out as much as possible later. Vet also prescribed 1/4 pepcid 2x daily, to continue giving her laxatives, and sent me home with science diet k/d dry and wet. She won’t eat the wet, she hates the sd brand. She is eating the dry, though. Prior, she was eating all canned diet of Fancy Feast after she rejected Wellness.

In my reading, some things say low protein/phosphorus is the way to go, but others say that low protein is an outdated way of thinking for CRF cats, and that quality protein is ok. She’s already skinny :
So, can anyone supply clear articles that might help me understand the controversy about protein here? Any info on how to make this treatment cheaper/more convenient would help too. Any good info at all.

My biggest concern is finding something that she will actually eat that will help her, because she’s a picky eater to the extreme.

Anyone who can share CRF experiences would help too

Thanks everyone
Oh yeah, PS, I can feed my 2 cats canned seperately, but I can’t fathom a way to keep dry food seperate. If the other cat eats the k/d, is that alright? He is currently on an all canned diet of Wellness brand.

ANSWER:
Your cat can live many, many healthy years if you support its system properly.

I believe that the low protein/phosphorus is very outdated and in some research it has actually proved to quicken the kidney failure. Cats can only absorb nutrients from meat protien sources so feeding a low protien diet certainly inhibits the entire body from working properly.

I also belive Science Diet is just about the worst thing vets offer as a solution to people with sick pets. And dry food is also terrible for a crf cat. You really need to keep a crf cat on a wet food diet.

The following websites will help you in your search for education on how to care for your cat with CRF

QUESTION:
What should a cat eat?
Please any cat nutritionsists out there: I would like to cook for my cat, especially with this story about cat foods that cause kidney failure. But also because fresh premium products that I buy for myself are definitely better that by-products and artificial flavourings put in cat foods. But I need to know what is required for a balanced diet. I know cats mostly eat proteins (meat, fish, chicken). But should I add any carbs, like rice, or egg, or some veg, carrots, etc?
The recalled foods included brands like Hill’s, Iams, Eucanuba, Nutro, etc, I mean good and expensive brands.
Oh, and regarding the fact that cats must only eat cat food, and the human foods are not good for them, I think the fact that cats have survived for many centuries before cat food brands were invented shows that the cat food companies have persuaded us they know better than nature!

ANSWER:
I’m not a cat nutritionist, but I do know that cats require a certain amount of non-meat food, such as rice and veggies (or greenery of some sort) for the fiber if nothing else. I’m not sure it is realistic to only feed your cat something that you cook because they have such specific nutritional requirements, but I do understand your concern over the current cat food recall since I own cats as well. You might also want to talk to your vet, since he/she would know about any medical conditions that your cat might have that would need to be taken into account with a specialized diet, such as UTIs, age, etc. Good luck with it and I hope it works out for you.

QUESTION:
My mom wants to kill my cat on a dry cat food diet, she won’t listen to me…?
My cat is almost 11 years old and I don’t want her to die prematurely of diabetes or kidney disease from the dried cat food. My mom feeds her Hill’s Premium Cat food (the first ingredient is Brewers Rice – that should tell you how natural this is for a carnivore).

She says she’ll continue to feed her this because all the vets told her it’s fine and she’d rather listen to them than crazy internet people. She also says our cat doesn’t like wet food and has rejected it (I know there are tricks to make the conversion easier – but mom doesn’t want to hear about them).

What can I do? I want my cat to eat healthy canned food, and not premium Hill’s veterinary approved poisonous cat food.

ANSWER:
Buy your own cat food! Otherwise don’t be picky. If the vet says it fine, what credentials do you or the crazy internet people have. The cat is not complaining.

QUESTION:
Here is my problem.I have 3 adult cats and all eat the same dry food.?
One of the cats has diabetes and the other now has to eat low protein canned food due to a mild kidney disorder. The cat with the diabetes must have high protein food and the one with kidney issues should have a lower protein diet and i am just crazy trying to keep these foods separate. Is there any ideas on a dry food that would work for both? Neither of their illnesses at at the critical stage.
Our cat with the kidney problem hates the canned Hills Science KD diet. Would love to hear from anyone who has had this problem.

ANSWER:
Your best solution is to feed the cats separately in different rooms where you can close doors.
You are going to have to get them on a schedule so that when you put the food down, they know it’s time to eat.
Free feeding is not the best way to feed animals. They tend to graze and that can lead to weight issues.
It can be difficult in the beginning to get the cats on a schedule, but with persistence and patience it can be done.

I am not going to debate the dry vs canned food issue at this point. Although I will say that as a retired Certified Veterinary Technician I have no faith in the Hills Science Diet prescription foods. I dealt with that myself and my cat.

QUESTION:
My Vet Prescribed PRESCRIPTION DIET for my 11 yr old Senior Cat…isn’t this unheathy?
I read that it has some sort of meat-by product on the ingredients and corn meal something too. Is this cat food bad for him, hes my first pet i ever had and want to make sure he lives a long and healthy life. I bought his food their at the clinic yesterday, its for Kidney Diet. What is you’lls opnion? Thanks!

ANSWER:
My sympathy’s! It’s so hard when you find out your best friend is very ill.

Here is a list of info I found on the web for you to help you make the best decisions for your kitty. Knowledge is power!

I put a * by the felinecrf.com site. It’s basically the site for feline kidney disease. It has a dietary information pg that does list many foods & info about them. Prescription diet is not one of the listed foods.

That does not mean it’s not a good food for your kitty. Vet’s usually love animals enough to devote their lives to caring for them, so I would most likely lump your vet in this category. He/she might have very good luck with this food. The reviews support this.

No matter what your decision, good luck to you & your kitty!

QUESTION:
My cat is throwing up?
Last week, I took my 13-year-old cat to the vet because he was acting subdued. At our second visit, the vet finally figured out that he needed an antibiotic, and he’s been on the antibiotic course since Saturday morning. At first, he seemed to feel much better.

He also has slightly elevated creatinine levels, The vet told me normal creatinine level is 30 or below; his is 34. She said we should be alarmed if it approaches 40. We started him on a diet specifically for cats with kidney problems. Since Saturday, he has been eating the special diet in canned food form although a dry food is available. The vet told me, “Watch him to make sure he’s not throwing up.” Well, he is. At first, he had a hairball, and the vet and I figured that must have been the cause, but he threw up again today and I think last night or very early this morning. He’s eating pretty well, but he can’t seem to keep the food down. I’ve begun feeding him quite small amounts.

I’m going to call the vet first thing tomorrow. Could the new type of canned food be causing him to upchuck? He’s still eating some of his former dry food in order to transition to the new diet gradually.

Can anyone shed any light on this problem? I’m so worried about him. He’s really a delightful and sassy cat, but lately he’s wanted a lot of cuddling, which is kind of unusual for him because he’s the alpha cat and has that personality.
Thanks for your good wishes. Actually, I did state that he is on the course of the antibiotics and is eating the “new” diet.

ANSWER:
It sounds to me like you’re doing everything you can to take care of your cat and that’s good. But if I were you, I’d call the vet tonight instead of waiting until tomorrow morning. I’m not sure what’s causing the vomiting, but since your vet seemed to think that would be a cause for concern, I don’t think you should wait to have it taken care of. Vomiting can cause dehydration, which can wreak havoc on the kidneys (and other organs, too) and for a cat that’s already appearing to have some kidney problems, I think the hazards are probably increased. I’m not a vet, though, and I don’t know everything, and that’s why I think the best answer to your question would come from your vet herself.

Good luck with this! I hope your cat gets all better really soon!

QUESTION:
Has anyone used Hills Science Diet or SD/CD for cats with urethral obstruction?
My 3 year old neutered tabby was taken into the emergency clinic last night for a urinary blockage. I’ll find out from the vet what, if any, crystals were found in his urine, or if there are bladder/ kidney stones etc, and know better after that. But for now the recommended treatment is Hills SD veterinary prescription diet. The formulas would be SD (Stone dissolving) for 4-8 weeks, or until the active problem is under control, and cd as a long term maintenance diet.

Since we just switched two weeks ago from free feeding dry Natural Balance to canned Wellness as long term therapy for a female with recurring bladder infections/utis, I’m assuming easy access to clean fresh water is not the source of the problem. Although I am also considering making it filtered or distilled water which is likely to have fewer minerals in it. How unusual a coincidence is that to have two of the three come down with urinary related problems ?? They’ve never been on low quality foods….

So anyone have good luck with Hills Science Plan SD or CD..?
It’s gonna be expensive so I’m open to OTC alternatives if you’re not convinced it’s the right food….

ANSWER:
Hi!,
My cat had the same problem 2 years ago, he was catheterised by the vet to remove the crystals and is now on Royal Canin Urinary s/o dry food, which our vet has recommended we feed him for life, I don’t find the food too expensive, it’s around £14.00 for a bag which lasts a month, although we do supplement his diet with the odd pouch of wet food (although we have found since he has his struvite crystals this tends to make him sick) He just drinks normal tap water (out of a pint glass by the bed, or the toilet, or a puddle or basically anywhere that isn’t the bottled water in his bowl!)
We did have a slip up in a locum vet advising us to stop feeding him the urinary s/o food, which led to a huge infection and cystitis for the little fellow, so although it may be a little more expensive, i think it’s best to keep the cat on a urinary food to avoid any future problems! hope this helps!

QUESTION:
raw diet supplements?
I’ve been having a hard time finding any good information regarding a calcium supplement for the raw diet. My cat will eat ground meat, but I won’t be able to get a hold of any whole ground meat with bone in it for another month. I’m not sure how much calcium needs to be added to the diet or if any other supplements need to be added because of lack of bone. I feed her prey model, and I already have meat, liver, kidney and heart so just need an idea of how to replace the bone with supplements for the next month.
You shouldn’t even bother stating that your a vet assistant….most vets I’ve met know nothing about the diet of a cat. Cats are CARNIVORES!!!!!! They aren’t supposed to eat grain, or veggies….do some research and stop acting like you know better than everyone else just because you went to school. I’ve been researching the raw diet for dogs for over a year. My dog had horrible allergies and I tried tons of different foods, even homecooked. Raw was the only thing that fixed my problems. My cat is underweight and needs to gain some muscle, and in my opniion the raw diet is the best way to fix it.
My cat refuses chunks meat of any kind. I tried chicken neck cut up, and pulverized with a hammer. She wont take it. Thats why I resorted to ground meat.
actually my litter pan smells great! lol. the raw diet really cut down the stink, shows you how crappy most kibbles and wet foods are compared to real stuff.

ANSWER:
I have the book “The Backyard Predator” from Feline Futures. I don’t believe it is available any more. They published their “recipe” in it. To 700 g of raw muscle meat they add 2 Tbsp. bone meal.

QUESTION:
My vet says iams is good so my parents feed her it to her?
-I have researched MANY pet foods.I have found out that commercial pet foods are unhealthy.Cats are carnivores there meant to have meat based diet.Thus Grains,by-products, Corn and soy are not good for cats.My parents also don’t want to spend the money on high quality cat food.I have also talked to them about raw diet.They said no,to much money.We currently have my cat on Iams.She vomits on weekly basics and is over weight.Yet another problem,my parents don’t want to feed her wet food.Recently dry foods have been linked to Urinary tract infection, Kidney failure, Diabetes etc…

I also researched Freeze dried and raw diets.Which is the most healthy.Because it closely approximates the diet cats would get in the wild..” Cats eat a varied diet in the wild, including organs, brains, and occasionally, stomach and intestine contents;
•mice and other rodents
•small mammals
•birds
•fish
•snakes and other reptiles
•insects

ANSWER:
If you are so concerned about giving it Iams, I suggest you let the cat outside to fend for itself. Iams is a high quality food and I doubt you are are willing to catch your cats food live so they can play with it, let it loose in your house, and maybe, if they feel like it, recatch it and eat it. If your cat is vomiting, she is probably eating too much at once and if she’s overweight, you are feeding her too much.

QUESTION:
Kidney Failure in Cats?
I just read an update on a cat I used to sponsor at a shelter. It said she has been diagnosed with kidney failure, has undergone blood testing, placed on fluids and a special diet…etc. Is kidney failure always fatal? If yes, how long can a feline survive upon diagnosis? This is just such a sad story. This beautiful Himalayan dumped in a parking lot of a shelter, found to have tumors. They have been caring for her in foster care for years and now this kidney failure diagnosis. This really saddens me.

ANSWER:
Kidney failure is a frequent cause of death in cats if they do not succumb to other things first. Many cats have decreased kidney function as they reach the high teens and it does not cause death immediately.

My cat lived to be 22+. Her kidney function slipped downhill for at least four years before she finally died from it and she did not “suffer” from it till the very end. Tumors are an entirely different type of diagnosis. Most tumors in elderly cats are cancerous.

QUESTION:
Your opinions? Cat with Kidney Failure and food.?
My cat was diagnosed with kidney failure a little over a month ago and is in the early stage. They put her on the Science Diet K/d, she ate it at first but stopped eating it. At first I wasn’t happy with feeding it to her because of the by-products and have read reviews about cats who started losing muscle because they weren’t getting enough protein.

I looked into a raw diet from the brand Bravo and Primal, no by-products, a little bit more protein than K/d but not as much as her old food though. I have read good things about raw diet and CRF cats. She chowed down on that a lot and loved it, she seemed more active and not sleeping all the time, going to the bathroom less and this is for cat that is about 17-18 years old.

Well today my husband and I took her in for her check up, when we told the vet about the raw diet and that she stopped eating K/d, he looked at us like we were insane. Saying that it’s a myth that it’s good for cats, has all this bacteria that can make her sick and kill her and told us to stop. Gave us another brand to try, Purina NF. She did have a bladder infection at the same time which he says that’s why she was so tired and less active but she was still like that long after we gave her the meds and when she finished the meds. She didn’t show any change until we switched to raw diet.

He talked to us like we were crazy and not taking care of her. I am no vet but I would think low quality food with by-products and fillers from grains would make the kidney work harder to flush all that crap out. The prescription food is grain protein based and from what i read, cats can’t digest grains.

I just right now don’t know what to believe and it’s scary. I just don’t want to make the wrong choices and hurt my cat. In the end, I just want what is best for her.

I would like to have other people’s opinions.

Thanks~
@Valerie A: Thanks, I just joined that group. =)

J C: Wonder why my vet still is believes that, maybe he is old fashioned or just wants the money from commission selling the prescription foods. =/ I did feed all my cats Wellness canned food once but they got picky and stopped eating it. I’ll look into Blue.

I did join CRF cats on Yahoo Groups and asked about the risks of the prescription food and talked about the things I read. I only got a reply form one person who seems to strongly enforce prescription food diet.

I think I’ll keep her with the raw diet look into more brands on the high quality canned food. I also am thinking of finding another vet. I want a vet that is more up to date and not trying to get all my money. I wish could find research on the internet to print out about low-protein diets not doing a thing and show them to my vet. Official scientific research.

Thanks for your reply, it’s very helpful

ANSWER:
Many vets now believe that the low-protein diets don’t do a thing for the cats, unless it’s very end-stage. First, cats won’t eat the low protein diets, they don’t like them (or not most of them, anyway). it also does lead to muscle wasting as the body ends up taking protein from the muscles to fuel the need for protein. And you’re correct – by-products are a low quality protein source, and can be extremely hard on the kidneys, as they are waste products and the kidneys now have to deal with that. My vet recommends a high-quality, no-by product canned food – commercial, not prescription. I have a kidney compromised cat (not CRF – uremic dysplasia, but the management is the same). He eats Wellness canned, Blue Buffalo Wilderness – and other grain free, by-product free, high protein foods – and does very well. Check out the Yahoo group for CRF cats and you’ll find many people who feel the same way.

Many vets are opposed to raw feeding – the risk is to the human who handles the raw food, and not to the cat. My cats all get raw in addition to the commercial canned.

At this point you have two options – explain to your vet why you are NOT going to feed her the prescription food, and continue as you are doing, or find a vet who’s a bit more ‘up to date’ on the latest research for CRF cats.

My 17+ year old cat was fed the same canned diet I mentioned above. His kidney numbers were perfect – and there was no muscle wasting that you normally see with an aged cat. We lost him to a cancerous tumor in his throat – had nothing at all to do with his kidneys. He died a ‘kidney healthy’ cat – and that can be attributed to diet, I think.

QUESTION:
Kidney cat – one day at a time?
I posted something yesterday and got great responses concerning the care of my kidney cat.
From those of you with experiences with this, I guess you take it one day at a time? That sounds stupid and obvious, since we do that in life anyway.

I am giving her sub Q fluids and pepcid. Got the shocking news from the vet yesterday that her creatine levels were very very high. We were doing fluids for a couple of weeks because we thought maybe she got into poison or a plant. Not so. The only difference is now I have her on pepcid. She will not eat canned or wet foods, only dry and hates human foods. I have her on a dry Science Diet kidney food. That’s the best I can do. Anyway, last night before bed I found her laying in the litter box just hanging out. She saw me, got up and pooped some hard stool. Then had dry heaves. It broke my heart. I know that bowel movement probably hurt and upset her.

I talked to the vet this morning and he had me stop and pick up an appetite stimulant from him since I did not see her eat last night. He is encouraging me to bring her in soon as her quality goes down. I agree. I forced another cat I had to hang in there and I won’t be that selfish again.

I was so distraught today I left work early to come home and be with her. When I walked in the door she was rolling around on the floor happy to see me. She ate something. I figure maybe the pepcid is kicking in now. She is bright-eyed and looking good. Fur still shiney though she has lost a lot of weight.

I know where this is headed. I’m just trying to be a good mom and do what’s right and keep her comfy, keep bowls of water for her on all floors of my house. I know we don’t have a crystal ball for time. I was just surprised she was doing so well when I got home today.

Please share if this has been your experience — good days bad days. I’m sure I’m leaving out information. I don’t need websites about diets and such. I know this is coming down the wire. Please be nice to me. I’m a basket case right now.

THANKS!
Ken I know you are an advocate of canned food but I just said she won’t eat it. Obviously I have tried it. I’m not into forcing my cats through things for my own selfish sake. Right now the numbers she has, she’s terminaly ill

ANSWER:
Nancy,you and Sunshine are wonderful.I have had the same experience but all I can do is say a prayer for the recovery of your “little one”.

FYI:Sunshine is one of my contacts and one of my favorite YA people.

QUESTION:
Why do some people feed their cats people food?
Why do some people feed their cats people food when they don’t know what it can do to their cats?

Human Foods Which Are Poisonous to Cats

Often it is tempting to share our food with the family pet, and most of us are guilty of slipping the odd tasty morsel. If you do indulge your cat, it is strongly advised you check out this list which contains some common foods which are either poisonous or have the potential to be dangerous to your cat. This list contains common foods, but is by no means extensive. As a rule of thumb, if in doubt, don’t give it to your cat. It may save him a great deal of pain & suffering & you an expensive veterinarian bill.

Alcohol:

I would like to hope that nobody would actually try giving a cat alcohol. Alcohol can cause intoxication, gastrointestinal irritation, respiratory distress, coma & death.

Apricot, cherry, peach pits, almond nuts, apple seeds:

All of the above contain cyanogenic glycosides which will result in cyanide poisoning. This interferes with the ability of the blood to release oxygen into the tissues, so the cat effectively suffocates while it’s blood is full of oxygen.

Avocado:

Avocado contains a toxin known as persin. It is found in all parts of the avocado & is toxic to most domestic animals.

The symptoms include gastrointestinal irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory distress, congestion, fluid accumulation around the tissues of the heart and even death.

Citrus:

May cause vomiting in cats.

Cooked bones:

Cooked bones can splinter & cause an obstruction, therefore they should be avoided.

Chocolate, Coffee & Tea

Chocolate contains naturally occurring methylxanthines caffeine & theobromine. The concentration of theobromine is much higher than that of caffeine, but both cause toxicity in cats (and dogs). These chemicals act as a diuretic, causing the body to lose fluids, act as a cardiac stimulant, causing it to race & is also a central nervous system stimulant.

All types of chocolate should be avoided, including dark, milk, white & cocoa powders.

Grapes & raisins:

These have been known to cause kidney damage. The active ingredient hasn’t been identified.

Macadamia nuts:

Macadamia nuts have been known to cause tremors & muscle weakness in dogs, therefore it’s best to apply caution & avoid giving them to cats.

Milk:

While this won’t kill your cat, some cats are lactose intolerant & drinking cow’s milk will cause a tummy upset.

Weaned cats no longer need to drink milk, however if you do want to give your cat some milk as an occasional treat them the best solution is to buy some cat milk from your supermarket.

Mushrooms:

There are many types of mushrooms which are poisonous. While dogs are far more likely to eat mushrooms than cats, it is advised you avoid giving your cats any type of mushrooms to be on the safe side.

Fat:

While fat isn’t toxic to cats per se, it’s not healthy to routinely feed your cat a diet high in animal fats as it will lead to obesity. Large amounts of fat can also cause pancreatitis.

Liver:

Small amounts of liver are fine to eat, but if fed too often it can result in Vitamin A toxicosis.

Be careful when feeding your cat human foods, some people will recommend baby food for a cat who’s lost it’s appetite. This is fine, but make sure the food doesn’t contain any onion, flakes, powder etc.

This is another food which is fine to feed as an occasional treat, but shouldn’t be fed regularly, as it can lead to a condition known as Steatitis or Yellow Fat Disease.

Yeast dough:

This can expand in the stomach causing bloating & discomfort.

Other foods which your cat shouldn’t eat:

Soy & Rice Bran

Raisins

Rhubarb

Spoiled or moldy food. If it’s gone off, don’t give it to your cat.

Hops

It is always a good idea to check with your vet before giving your cat food which is meant for human consumption, just to be on the safe side.

ANSWER:
That’s really more of a rant than a question, but I’ll answer anyway.

My cats get *some* kinds of people food, because *some* kinds of people food are BETTER for them than commercial cat food.

But I agree, more people need to pay attention to the kinds of things they are feeding their furry friends.

QUESTION:
My vet placed my cat on a veterinary diet food. Is there a place who sells this cheaply? Or late at night even?
Not sure how big of an emergency it is. Running low on this expensive stuff and night time is the most easiest time to shop. Is it life or death if I give him something else to eat for a few hours? He’s got kidney problems with diabetes. You would think that if this is an important item it will be more available in stores. Even at a 24 hour drug store if need be.

ANSWER:
Prescription food is available only at the vet. Give him a food that doesn’t contain junk ingredients like corn, wheat, soy, or meat by-products. Grains are going to overload him on carbs which will elevate his sugar. Feed only wet food and avoid fish flavors as they contain higher amounts of magnesium and phosphates, which contribute to kidney problems. Some good brands are Wellness, Blue Buffalo, and Merrick. These foods can be found at Petsmart, Petco, or other specialty pet stores. Nothing at WalMart or the grocery store is going to be suitable. For an emergency feeding tonight, you can feed him some plain boiled chicken or lean sandwich meat. No tuna.

QUESTION:
Cat with heart and kidney prob – diet advice?
Okay. So our 12+ yo cat has been to the vets back and forth. Yrsterday he finally had his blood taken for his suspected hyperthyroidism. Unfortunately the vet said he’s got bad heart and kidneys and not to expect much for living much longer. We were feeding him plain chicken and Fish because he was vomiting and had diarrhea but since he seemed better we gave him some of his usual last night. Just whiskas etc. This morning he threw up some bile again. He seems happy in himself but I’m at a loss what to try him on. Vet advised hills, James wellbeloved, royal canin etc but I don’t know what would agree with him and I don’t want to buy so
Much for him to turn it down or it to not agree with him. What would anyone be able to rec me or advise me?
Everycat – Cat is being tested for hyperthyroidism as they weren’t entirely sure, but have taken blood yesterday and we are taking him back for a checkup and results in one week. He has been on antibiotic in the past four/five days but vomited some bile this morn despite that. I think maybe he has dietary issues. Which is why I’m looking into another cat food for him which suits his bad heart and kidneys until we can monitor the suspected hyperthyroidism. Also, he may be older than 12, shelter we got him from wasnt sure as he was found as a stray. Royal Canin Sensitivity Control wet food sounds like something I might look into, I only hope he eats it. He really likes almo n ature but I’m not sure this is right for him as an older cat.

ANSWER:
Is the vet treating your cat’s hyperthyroidism? He should be, hyperthyroidism can cause heart issues (fast heart beat, enlargement, heart murmer) and also kidney issues due to causing high blood pressure – both these issues can be stabilised and improved once the hyperthyroidism is treated. Hyperthyroidism can be treated with drugs to stabilise, then surgery if necessary and your cat is up to the surgery.

I think you really need to find another vet. 12 yrs old isn’t old for a cat but it’s the classic age for this sort of issue to start showing up. With the right treatment, a good vet who behaves as if they are a professional and cares, your cat could live for a long time.

Hyperthyroidism does cause gastrointestinal issues – with medication, this can be sorted out as i said. Continue with the boiled chicken and/or fish for a while and try and get hold of some Royal Canin Sensitivity Control wet food (vets sell it and you can buy it online) this is a very appetising wet food that only has rice as a minimal carbohydrate and is also restricted protein. I’ve used it with many cats who have had gastric problems and with 2 who have had thryoid issues, it’s a good easily digestible food.

Please find another vet today for your dear cat. Ask you existing vet for the blood test results (you are entitled to a full copy of them under consumer law) then take them to the new vet.

Act today, your cat probably has many years left to enjoy life with you.

Best of luck.

EDIT: Extra infor makes all the difference! The RC food is pretty good, comes in duck and chicken& rice flavour, your vet may stock it and sell you just a couple of pouches. The antibiotic may be irritating your cat’s tum. Cat may also be having acid reflux if not eating well, also vomiting can cause it. Ask the vet for some Antepsin tablets (and the right dose) these can be crushed in water and syringed in to your cat’s mouth, they coat the throat and stomach so the cat is less likely to get acid reflux (and the soreness from it) – obviously ask the vet, antibiotics sometimes don’t match with antacid drugs, there may be a better one. Hope your cat is ok and the blood tests show something that is treatable. best of luck!

QUESTION:
Is there an alternative to prescription food for a cat with Kidney Disease?
I own two cats. One is 19 and has Kidney Disease. the other cat that is 8 and is healthy but overweight. I don’t like feeding the prescription diet to my cat that isn’t sick, but i can’t feed them separately either. They are currently eating Purina NF and neither of them like it. They will eat it but not like they usually eat.

Before all this they were eating Wellness cat food, which as an all natural holistic pet food.

My question is:

Is there a non-prescription cat food out there that would be OK for my sick kitty to eat. My vet won’t even talk to me about it, she is just “No, he has to have this” and leaves it at that. If you have any alternative ideas, i’d really appreciate it!
Ok I”m getting a lot of people talking about Science Diet. I have had 30 plus pets in my life and have never had one that will eat it. I looked into how it is made and saw the amount of yellow corn in the ingredient list. I only feed my pets holistic food. Not food from the grocery store and by all means not Science Diet. Thanks so for for you help. Keep it coming. I hope this clarifies things a little.
Oh, and i am looking for wet food since it is better for a cat with kidney disease.
He has Chronic Renal Failure not Polycystic Kidney Disease, sorry for the confusion.

ANSWER:
The following websites will help you in your search for education on how to care for your cat with CRF.

QUESTION:
Changing my cat’s diet, need advice!?
So today my vet told me that I over feed my cat and that I need to feed him less. He always has a bowl of science plan dried food which I fill up once it’s empty, then I give him a pouch of science plan wet food about every second day, maybe even every third. My vet seems to dislike the idea of feeding him dried food and he also said to feed him more real food like chicken and fish, so I’m thinking of taking away his dried food and giving him wet food only from now on. However, I can’t give my cat only pouches of science plan food, it would be too expensive. And I know a lot of supermarket brands are unhealthy. What brands available in the UK and Ireland are the best for cats? I was thinking GoCat? And also in terms of “real food”, what is healthy for a cat to eat? I have heard giving a cat fish isn’t the best for their kidneys and such. All advice is appreciated!

Kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs located on each side of the spinal column in the upper abdomen. Kidneys are responsible for performing a multitude of functions, including removal of waste and toxins from the bloodstream, controlling blood pressure and maintaining the electrolyte concentration. Like any other organ in the body, the kidneys are susceptible to the development of malignant cells or cancer. There are several types of kidney cancer that have been detected while performing diagnostic procedures for various health conditions.

Kidney cancer is mainly caused by the development of tumor cells in the nephron and other kidney tissues. The general symptoms are blood in urine, back pain, weight loss and general fatigue. Kidney cancer can be treated by surgical removal of the affected portion or kidney, if it is diagnosed at the right time.

Researchers are of the opinion that frequent exposure to chemical toxins, smoking and side effects of certain medications are the triggering factors for the development of kidney cancer. People who smoke have 2-4 times higher risk of getting kidney cancer than the non-smokers. Also some other risk factors of kidney cancer include age, sex, occupation, kidney problems, prolonged dialysis, obesity, hypertension and certain genetic disorders. The exact cause of kidney cancer is not known yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

QUESTION:
Inconclusive Diagnostic Testing Good or Bad?
Over the past couple of months I’ve had a number of tests done on my kidneys. I was told by my urologist today that we’ve exhausting our testing options. We still have no idea what’s wrong. I was working with the military over the summer when i developed a kidney infection which wasn’t properly followed up on so I relapsed a month later. The army demanded tests and sent me home for them to see if they had to kick me out. I’m worried that not having a solid answer as to what’s wrong will result in medical release but at the same time since the test were inconclusive then they’re isn’t anything seriously wrong from what I can see. So that’s my dilemma. Is it good that they’re inconclusive because that means there’s nothing serious going on or is it bad because they don’t know what’s wrong? Has anyone had to deal with a similar problem with the CF? I’m reserve now and hoping to go regular force if everything goes ok. The tests have shown minor things like cysts but that’s it. Any insight?
Sorry still trying to figure this thing out. As I said above I don’t really have any symptoms. I have some slight pain in my left kidney area but that’s it. It might not even be my kidney and just be my back according to my urologist. The testing all started to find a reason for the infection I had. It wouldn’t have been done if the military hadn’t blown things out of proportion. They found a small asymptomatic cyst and lesion on left kidney. They concluded the lesion was benign and was just filled with some pus and not the source of pain. The urine comes back with protein but that’s it. The blood comes back clear. They found slight reflux but not enough to merit surgery or cause problems. That’s the problem. They’re not finding anything in the tests and they have no more tests to run. The fact that I’m feeling fine is what’s really frustrating. It’s like they’re chasing nothing for no reason.

ANSWER:
A pain in the kidney area may not necessarily mean a problem with the kidneys. It may be a pinched nerve in the lumbar region.

QUESTION:
Medical question for lab/med students?
I read how the kidney is involved in the production of red cells and regulates blood pressure. I have low blood and low blood pressure. What is the best kidney diagnostic test to do? An ultrasound found nothing wrong with kidneys.
Thanks.

ANSWER:
Along with the liver, the kidneys are another part of the waste processing system of the body — thus urine goes from the kidneys into the bladder. The liver filters metabolic waste products, excess sodium and water from the blood, thereby helping to eliminate them from the body. The kidneys also help regulate blood pressure and the production of red blood cells thru the production of erythropoetin.

Anemia — Patients with CKD( chronic kidney disease) are at risk for anemia, or low red blood cell counts. This is largely due to reduced production of a substance called erythropoietin by the kidneys. Erythropoietin stimulates the body to make red blood cells, the critical oxygen-carrying cells in the blood. When anemia occurs, oxygen delivery to the tissues falls below normal, which can lead to fatigue and other complications

If the doctor suspects that you have a kidney disease he will give you a few tests. These test include a Urine Tests and Blood Tests.

Urine Tests-Single sample test and a 24 hour test. The 24 hour test is much more accurate than the single sample test because it accounts for any fluctuations that may occur. Creatine clearance ; protein mg.

Blood Tests-There are two types of blood specimen used. The first is whole blood and the other is serum. The whole blood specimen will look at the components of the blood such at white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets and other whole blood components. The serum specimen will look at things like your glucose, BUN, Creatinine, Sodium and other aspects of your blood

Renal Imaging- which includes the ultrasound that you already had; and . CAT SCAn.

Renal Biopsy
Renal biopsy a procedure where they take a tiny piece of tissue from the kidneys

http://www.kidney-restore.com/understanding_test_results.html

The kidney can respond to changes in blood pressure by increasing or decreasing the amount of urine that is produced. Urine is primarily water that is removed from the blood. When the kidney makes more urine, the amount (volume) of blood that fills the arteries and veins decreases, and this lowers blood pressure. If the kidneys make less urine, the amount of blood that fills the arteries and veins increases and this increases blood pressure. Compared with the other mechanisms for adjusting blood pressure, changes in the production of urine affect blood pressure slowly over hours and days. (The other mechanisms are effective in seconds.)

For example, low blood volume due to bleeding (such as a bleeding ulcer in your stomach or from a bad laceration from an injury) can cause low blood pressure.

Is low blood pressure bad for your health?

People who have lower blood pressures have a lower risk of stroke, kidney disease, and heart disease. Athletes, people who exercise regularly, people who maintain ideal body weight, and non-smokers tend to have lower blood pressures. Therefore, low blood pressure is desirable as long as it is not low enough to cause symptoms and damage organs in the body

When insufficient blood is delivered to the kidneys, the kidneys fail to eliminate wastes from the body, for example, urea and creatinine, and an increase in their levels in the blood occur (for example, elevations of blood urea nitrogen or BUN and serum creatinine, respectively

For causes for low blood pressure:

http://www.medicinenet.com/low_blood_pressure/page4.htm

Low Blood Pressure At A Glance
Low blood pressure, also called hypotension, is blood pressure that is low enough that the flow of blood to the organs of the body is inadequate and symptoms and/or signs of low blood flow develop.

Low pressure alone, without symptoms or signs, usually is not unhealthy.

The symptoms of low blood pressure include lightheadedness, dizziness, and fainting. These symptoms are most prominent when individuals go from the lying or sitting position to the standing position (orthostatic hypotension).

Low blood pressure that causes an inadequate flow of blood to the body’s organs can cause strokes, heart attacks, and kidney failure. It’s most severe form is shock.

Common causes of low blood pressure include a reduced volume of blood, heart disease, and medications.

The cause of low blood pressure can be determined with blood tests, radiologic studies, and cardiac testing to look for arrhythmias.

Treatment of low blood pressure is determined by the cause of the low pressure.

QUESTION:
My father aged 83 , who was perfectly healthy until 2 month back, has suddenly stopped eating!?
After a lot of diagnostic tests, it is kidney failure , said a nephrologist. We are not for dialysis, at his ripe age , though we tried it twice. Any medical advice?

ANSWER:
If your father is in renal failure and doesn’t get either dialysis or a kidney transplant he will die within a month. That’s too blunt, but there’s no other way to put it. God bless all of you.

ANSWER:
Quote from the National Kidney Foundation:
“GFR – glomerular filtration rate is the best test to measure your level of kidney function and determine your stage of kidney disease. Your doctor can calculate it from the results of your blood creatinine test, your age, race, gender and other factors.”

http://www.kidney.org/kidneydisease/ckd/knowGFR.cfm

GFR is figured by taking a blood CREATININE test, and then GFR is figured using a simple mathematical formula that considers your age, weight, sex, and ethnicity.

The result are like this:
Disease
Stage….Description………………………………………….GFR
1………..Kidney damage (protein in the urine)………….More than 90
2………..Kidney damage and mild decrease in GFR….60 to 89
3………..Moderate decrease in GFR……………………..30 to 59
4………..Severe decrease in GFR…………………………15 to 29
5………..Kidney failure……………………………………………Less than 15
………….(dialysis or kidney transplant needed)

QUESTION:
Need urological advice!?
I am in need of some advice regarding my 6 month old daughter’s urological treatment. To make a very long story as short as possible, she had what doctors diagnosed as a hydronephrotic right ureter that was so enlarged it was causing notable distention in her abdomen and displacement of her bladder. After numerous diagnostic tests (blood work, ultrasounds, renal scans, VCUGs, several x-rays, and a CT-scan), she had surgery at the end of February and pediatric urologists performed a ureterostomy (in hopes of decompressing the dilated ureter). The surgery was unsuccessful in that the stoma did not allow for the output of urine as hoped, and doctors said it was because the ureter was so dialed and “coiled“ around itself. Because of this, during her recovery time in the hospital, she became very ill from a post-surgical infection. Doctors quickly inserted a nephrostomy tube into her right kidney to directly drain the blocked urine. This worked as a temporary solution in draining the blocked urine, but as we learned, would not serve as a permanent solution.

Fast forward two months, and follow up tests (ultrasounds and renal scans) suggest that she may have a duplicate system on the right side, which doctors were unable to appreciate before because of how enlarged the ureter was pre-surgery. Kidney function remains the same as it was pre-surgery, 19% ( R ), 81 % ( L ). All of the specialists at the hospital are unable to determine where the blockage is in the system, and they can’t positively say if it is a single, duplicate, or partially duplicate right system. Based on the images from tests, they are assuming that it is a duplicate system and that the nephrostomy tube was inserted into the lower pole, and the ureter brought to the skin during the ureterostomy belongs to the upper pole. However, within the past week, urine has begun leaking (or rather, splurging, like a water faucet) out of the previously non-draining stoma) suggestive of a single system. This new clinical occurrence is not supported by the evidence suggested in the post-surgical images.

We met with the doctor today and he explained that this is a very rare and unusual case, and they aren’t sure exactly what they are dealing with. He laid out the following choices:

* Cap the nephrostomy tube and see if the urine drains from the stoma (and we run the risk that she may get sick again)
* Insert a second nephrostomy tube into the upper pole (which would also entail changing the first neprhostomy tube she already had inserted, because of its short-term effectiveness = 2 surgeries)
* Perform an MRI in attempt to obtain clearer images (which would require sedation and further exposure to radiation)
* Change the nephrostomy tube at the three month mark and attempt to do a reconstructive surgery on the bladder by reattaching the ureter (the soonest this surgery can be done is at 18 months, before then the bladder is too small. The nephrostomy tube would have to be changed every 3 months in the mean time.)
* Perform a nephrectomy and completely remove the right kidney.
* Get a second opinion (I would like to get a second opinion, but I’m afraid that any other doctor would want to perform his own tests on her, and she has already been through so much. Also, she is receiving treatment at one of the best hospitals in the country, so I don’t know how helpful going somewhere else would be.)

The doctor said that if she were his daughter, he would chose to remove the kidney and spare her from any more tests and/or procedure and just put an end to it. He also said that, God forbid, in the horrible, unforeseen event that something were to happen to her “good kidney”, she would not really benefit from having the “bad” kidney (with only 19% function). (In other words, it would only postpone dialysis and a transplant, not prevent them all together.)

Again, my daughter is only 6 months old and has already had to endure two surgeries, blood tests, catheters, IVS, CT-scans, and x-rays with a lot of radiation exposure. At this point, doctors don’t even know what they are dealing with. Is it worth it in the long run to continue the tests and surgeries to try and salvage a kidney that only has 19% function? Her left kidney is “normal”, except that it has grade 1 reflux (which the doctor said is a minor detail, and could have been caused by the massive size of her bladder pre-surgery).

Please respond ONLY if you are a trained professional who is knowledgeable in the field of pediatrics urology, or if you have personally experienced something similar. I am trying to make a very important decision, and I need serious advice only, please.

ANSWER:

QUESTION:
Poll: Please vote for a Word Of the Day for Monday from these “leftover” nominations…?
and nominate a WOD for Tuesday, please.

The word for Sunday is perspicacity, meaning acuteness of perception or understanding. Please try to incorporate this word into your conversations today, or else, don’t. It’s up to you.

the nominees for WOD on Monday are.

• quadrant
• dichotomy
• Gout: Condition characterized by abnormally elevated levels of uric acid in the blood, recurring attacks of joint inflammation (arthritis), deposits of hard lumps of uric acid in and around the joints, and decreased kidney function and kidney stones. Uric acid is a breakdown product of purines, that are part of many foods we eat. The tendency to develop gout and elevated blood uric acid level (hyperuricemia) is often inherited and can be promoted by obesity, weight gain, alcohol intake, high blood pressure, abnormal kidney function, and drugs. The most reliable diagnostic test for gout is the identification of crystals in joints, body fluids and tissues.
• Duck head…the male equivalent of a chicken head….or duck butter….you will have to look that one up….
• uranomancy, an archaic term for astrology.
• Zodiac, from Greek meaning “circle of animals.”
•And the editor nominates the word “embolism” meaning blood clot

ANSWER:
Zodiac

QUESTION:
Poll: Whish of these shall be Word of the Day for saturday and for sunday. Please vote!?
•quadrant
•Cynosure for Saturday.
•dichotomy
•perspicacity
•Gout: Condition characterized by abnormally elevated levels of uric acid in the blood, recurring attacks of joint inflammation (arthritis), deposits of hard lumps of uric acid in and around the joints, and decreased kidney function and kidney stones. Uric acid is a breakdown product of purines, that are part of many foods we eat. The tendency to develop gout and elevated blood uric acid level (hyperuricemia) is often inherited and can be promoted by obesity, weight gain, alcohol intake, high blood pressure, abnormal kidney function, and drugs. The most reliable diagnostic test for gout is the identification of crystals in joints, body fluids and tissues.
•Duck head…the male equivalent of a chicken head….or duck butter….you will have to look that one up….
•Saturday: uranomancy, an archaic term for astrology.
•Sunday: Zodiac, from Greek meaning “circle of animals.”

•And the editor nominates the word “embolism” meaning blood clot.
I am awaiting more results but am inclined to duck butter (and let someone else look it up) and Zodiac on Sunday. Will post tonight. It is around 4:20 in CA and I will post an answer by 9pm.

ANSWER:
I vote for Cynosure and perspicacity.

QUESTION:
Lupus Question……?
Not long ago my ANA test for lupus was +, which didnt surprise me as my mum and sister also test positive. I moved town not long after so no more lupus diagnostic tests were done. Im concerned because lately ive had about 5 urinary tract infections in 2 months, ive also had a kidney infection and none of the doctors in this town will do any other lupus tests….they just keep handing out antibiodics for the infections. my only symptoms are protein in urine (which shows up each time i get another uti), rash, joint pain…… am i over reacting?? Does this sound like lupus??

ANSWER:

QUESTION:
question about a possible exploratory surgery?
I have an appointment with a surgeon for a consult about getting an exploratory surgery. I’m slightly nervous that the surgeon won’t agree to do the surgery without doing a few more diagnostic tests. I’ve been having severe lower right abdominal pain along with vomiting for 3 weeks now. I’ve had blood work, urinalysis,pelvic ultrasound, kidney ultrasound, gallbladder ultrasound, HIDA scan, CT scan and I have had a few of those tests done multiple times by now. I’ve seen several GP and a ob-gyn and all tests have come back normal.

I was wondering if anyone has had an exploratory surgery and if they had or if I have to get a endoscopy and colonoscopy done? I don’t want to do those tests and I am hoping that maybe my surgeon will still do the surgery without those especially because I am refusing to do those tests.

Any advice?
I want it done because I can’t stand the pain anymore. I’ve missed so much work and I can’t afford to miss anymore. I can’t afford to wait roughly 6 weeks give or take to have both of those tests done. I want it done and over with so that I can possibly get on with my life!

ANSWER:
Why would you want exploratory surgery over an endoscopy or colonoscopy? I doubt he would object but I think it would be wiser to do more tests then just cut you open like that. Have you been tested for parasites? I would also get that done before you go under the knife.

edit
I know it is frustrating but if you do this you are putting your body at even more risk. Say it’s an infection. It could spread to more of your organs can become infected which could kill you. I know of someone who didn’t have exploratory surgery but she had some type of infection and when she collapsed they put a breathing tube in but punctured her lung doing so which made the bacteria spread. No amount of antibiotics could save her. She ended up dying because of the spread. I normally don’t recommended this since some of the conditions freak people out for no reason but you might be able to narrow things down and suggest things to your doctor.

http://symptoms.webmd.com/default.htm

QUESTION:
helpppppppppppppppppppp needed badly need alot of answers give alot of information and details.?
does all ur diagnostic tests on the form need to be together like i had Lh fsh,tsh,vitimin d, acrogamegly tests gh igf1 but all on diffrent blood forms not together i mean , like on one form it was
tsh, vitimin d,liver,kidney and on other forms like t3, t4,would they check from the other form my tsh (i.e check for tyroid hypo/hyerthyroidism)or does it all need to be together and in order its the blady doctors fault obiously not mine,and all my blood test forms are like that i.e. acromegaly igf1 is on one form and gh and others are on another form so my question is do i have to do it again together for a diffrent illness but which also has the same tests i.e. tsh for endrocin disorders and tsh for tyroid problems, or would they check the diffrent illness test for other illness that i had FOR EXAMPLE.checking the tsh for endrocin disorders which i had done generally for some other illness. i hope u understand wot im saying i did my best to explain it IM NOT GOOD IN EXPLAINING THINGS.
also how many tests can be done on a one urine and stool sample? can i do corticol,urinary mma,msu,cult sens,complete urinanalysis for the urine and stool cult sens and parasites on the same sample?
luminous : wot do u mean
u didnt answer my question
fertility hormone tests? y the hell would i need that im only a kid and a nun type.
redangle: thats not wot i meant im not good at explaining things so ill give u an example of wot i meant is for example ana is an auto immune test but it is for so many auto immune illnesses not just one so if i did ana for sjgrone sydrome with my lo ra and then if i were to be tested for another illness which required to be tested for ana would ii have to do the ana again or would they check from the ana i did for sjgrone ?understand now. u ppl dont know to read
- the last bit red angle that isnt for u i said it to the answerer below u

ANSWER:
Hi bluebird,

Each test requested has a vial of blood removed…One blood test can fill many different vials of blood. I have also requested more tests and the lab still had my blood in storage so i didn’t have to go back to pathology. A urine/stool sample should be able to have multiple tests requested on one sample, however i’m not 100% sure on this.

each * one is on a separate form…some labs may vary.

*Master full blood count – white blood/red blood cell count
*Master E/LFT test – includes electrolytes/liver function/kidney function/cholesterol/iron (specific kidney and liver function tests can be requested. They have further tests not listed on an E/LFT test)
*Vitamin D study – 25 hydroxy D3
*IGF-1
*Adrenal studies – ACTH
*Thryoid functions test – TSH…make sure “free” T3 and T4 are tested. (TSH functions test is the same for thyroid and endocrine problems)
*Fertilitiy hormones test – includes LH, FSH, oestradiol, progesterone
*Vitamin B12 and folate
*Urine – Culture sensitivity..not sure if the MMA, MSU and cortisol test would be on the same form. These tests may be on separate forms
*Stool ova & parasites test…possibly stool culture on the same form but may be separate

Digestive enzyme supplements and probiotic supplements from health food stores help get rid of parasites. There are also parasite herbal supplements.

EDIT: right well you wouldn’t repeat the ANA test again. The doctor would do further testing for different autoimmune dieseases. Check ANA on labtest online..it’s goes into it a bit further.

QUESTION:
To anyone who is pregnant?
Are you concerned about the tests that are offered?

I have recently found out that I am 5 weeks pregnant with my 3rd baby. This baby has a different dad to my daughters.

The reason for my question.
When I was pregnant with my first age 20 years old I had a lot of problems….

1 in 34 risk of Downs syndrome (amnio results ok no downs)
No palate in her mouth. (I have a cleft lip….she is perfect)
Head to big for her body.(normal baby)
Eyes too far apart.(again normal baby)
Right kidney stopped growing. (This is the only thing wrong, and was removed in 2002)
Was told she would be no bigger than 5lb in weight…(She was 6lb 9oz born)
Gestational diabetes.

She is a normal healthy girl.
My second daughter I did not have the tests with but was so stressed during my pregnancy I was ill.

So here I am 30 years old and pregnant again. As you can tell Im happy and worried at the same time. I have asked for diagnostic tests at 11 weeks but Im filled with fear…

Have you had any problems like me?

Thanks for your answer.

ANSWER:
Hi,

I can understand your fear. Please try and relax.

I had this where there was a problem with the bay and it was quite bad that the hospitals (we went to several) wanted me to abort the pregnancy! I refused and would believe that baby is fine. Absolutrly perfect.

My opinion is that it is okay to get tested so that anythinh in both mother and baby can pi picked up early. You then need to know what to do with all this information. Some people may have decided to terminate the pregnancy and that’s their choice. Others want to get tested just so they are aware of any dissabilities and problems with the baby and prepared for the baby, rather than being surprised and unprepared.

In my case, I was confident that God will make everything okay for me.

I would advice you to ask yourself this: if you know about any problems (God forbid) then would that help you and in what way? If you know you won’t abort the baby anyway then you could decide there is no need knowing in the first place, but on the other hand, you could decide that it is worth you knowing in advance so that you can prepare yourself mentally. You may also want to tell your close family but that is optional. I would wait until baby arrives.

Good luck and I pray it all goes well for you

Please try to relax and enjoy the rest of your pregancy

QUESTION:
unilateral swelling of leg what could be the reason?
A 36 years old woman having unilateral swelling (pitting edema) on right leg…what could be the possible reasons?
Its a pitting edema so it should exclude lymphaedema but am not sure if unilateral swelling exclude kidney,heart and liver causes?
I read somewhere usually liver,heart and kidney causes bilateral edema,Please correct me if am wrong.
Do u think it could be due to superficial or deep vein thrombosis?
She said she scratched her leg excessively in last few days because she had severe itching from her eczema..do u think it could lead her to superficial vein thrombosis?
what are the other symptoms for superficial vein thrombosis?
what the diagnostic tests for superficial vein thrombosis?
What is the treatment of superficial vein thrombosis?

ANSWER:
I had a kidney issue and just one of my legs swelled. The side of the kidney issue.

QUESTION:
Which is a normal amount for a bill for ER in NorCal for kidney stone diagnostic-Kaiser Perm/w covera?
I was taken to the ER by my friends, not by ambulance, services performed were x-rays (2 sets), blood and urine test and medical visit , total time spent in the ER – around 3-4 hours, no special treatments / investigations /surgery was needed, I received the confirmation that I have the kidney stone and the prescription the same day and they let me go the same day. My zipcode is 95051 – thank you so much for all your help.

ANSWER:

QUESTION:
can anxiety disorder causes kidney disease?
I am suffering from anxiety disorder from 15 years and i am 26. But from 4 to 5 months more than 3 min of anxiety starts causing pain in my kidney area, palms and foot becomes cold, lower back pain, sometimes with bot legs or one leg pain and sometimes with fever.
I am not sure this is kidney disease or any oher disease.
When i go to diagnostic centre for testing they say that without any doctor reference they cannot do, I am totally fraustrated. plz help

ANSWER:

QUESTION:
Raw feeders: does feeding raw shoot up your dog’s liver and enzymes?
So I took my 8 month old pom pup to the vet to get his last couple of puppy teeth pulled (so they don’t mess up his bite) and I had the vet do a blood test and diagnostic (because I wanted to make sure he wasn’t annemic before they knock him out). His test came back saying that both a liver enzyme and a kidney enzyme were up. They said that they didn’t look related so whatever he has won’t kill him. His creatinine levels were normal.

My question is: what would cause this? The vet knows I feed raw (as well as innova evo) and kind of implied that his diet might be the cause. Of course, he tries to sell me crap Science diet, which I think is on the bottom of any dogfoodanalysis. Could a high protein diet cause those tests to be high? What can I do for him?

ANSWER:
Are you working with a nutritionist on the raw feeding? You may want to find one in your area or find one that can work with you online about this.

Eating meats (especially the more fatty ones, like beef) can cause inflammation in some bodies, especially excessive meat intake. A qualified nutritionist might be able to help you assess whether the foods you are feeding are appropriate, and may be able to help you tailor a diet to your dog’s health needs. It’s possible that changing a food or adding an anti-inflammatory type food to the diet could help.

These enzyme levels can fluctuate, I would follow up with the vet in 2-3 months for more testing. They may return to a normal range, and if not, then you can look at making changes.

Of course, diet could be the cause-diet dictates much of what happens with a body-it’s what keeps a body going. This doesn’t mean that you would have to change from raw, just that you may have to adjust somewhat.

Personally, I’d not be feeding a small breed dog EVO (I wouldn’t feed it to any dog that wasn’t working all day). I also would never feed raw. However, if you are going to do it, you should make sure that you have good information on the topic from someone who has knowledge in the field.

QUESTION:
What is wrong with my dad?
My dad (72 years old) has been undergoing a lot of tests, ultrasound (liver, stomach, intestines,kidneys), CAT scans, colonoscopy and they showed some cysts on the liver, the colonoscopy showed a mark of 7 centimeters (which the doctor said was not alarming). He took all those tests to the specialist (he was referred to an oncologist), but for the last two weeks, this specialist hasn’t said much about a final diagnostic, He only sent him to the lab to have some vitamin IVs (he said it was for the liver) and some blood tests. M dad is going back to see him in two days. What in the world is going on?? And why is this doctor being silent and not saying much? My dad hasd never abused alchohol, has never smoked, no drugs of any kind and has always been very healthy. It’s just this problem with the pain he’s been having for the last year (oh, and the liver is a little enlarged too), he is now feeling very depressed and down, he is not eating right and I can feel he is scared
Why is the doctor quiet ad not saying much? They only allowed my dad to go inside during the visit, no other family member was alowed to go with him. I am really worried.

ANSWER:

QUESTION:
Someone please help!?
Okay, well the pain started about a year ago. Started out feeling like menstrual cramps, kinda dull and achy and sometimes stabbing. I had a diagnostic laparoscopy in February to rule out endometriosis and any other female issues. Also, have had normal PAPs.
About 2-3 months ago, however, the pain began to make me feel nauseous, have pretty much constant diarrhea no matter what I ate, and decreased my appetite significantly. I began losing weight quite rapidly.
The last three weeks, I have had NO appetite. I can hardly swallow anything and sometimes can’t even drink water. I went to the emergency room about two weeks ago and they ran the normal couple of tests-white blood cell count, kidney function, liver function etc. All of which came back normal. I also left a stool sample-everything they tested on that came back normal as well. They said the most likely cause was IBS and sent me on my way.
I visited my regular doctor two days later and he checked my thyroid, sed rate, and white blood cells (again) Once again all normal. He agreed with the IBS diagnosis and referred me to see a gastroentrenologist and prescribed Levbid to slow the bowels. This helped my appetite slightly for a day before I began having horrible side effects from it. I was extremely dizzy and had severe blurred vision. He recommended that I stop taking it immediately and ordered at CT scan, which I had today. I should get the results tomorrow. And my appt. with the gastro. is not until Oct. 13.
I really just wonder if anyone has had similar experiences. I am in extreme pain most of the time and the cramping tends to radiate down my legs and around to my back. I have had to miss a TON of work due to this and unfortunately can’t afford to keep missing work. I have lost a total of 20 pounds since July and I am very, very weak, completely exhausted and just all around feel beat down.
Any thoughts or suggestions are highly appreciated!

ANSWER:

QUESTION:
Is it still possible that i have an ectopic pregnancy?
Almost 4 weeks ago I started feeling really bad pain in my uterus (i guess) during the sex and about the same day my breasts would hurt so much for 10 days, but no more. Since then, my husband and I stopped having sex. We tried, but it was still hurting. I just could make an appointment for the next week. Sometimes I would feel a pain in my lower ab, most in the right side and it was on an off. Than 1 week ago my belly and pelvic area sort of got bigger. Than the pain was more frequently. My period came not late on Monday night and during the day I was feeling the pain if I stretched, picked up from the floor, etc. Then even if i was sitting I could feel this pain. I wasn’t killing me, it was worrying me. Detail, I did lots of pregnancies tests before my period and all negatives. Than I went to the ER on Tuesday cause this pain was disturbing me. They did a urine test and I didn’t get positive. They prescribed me antibiotic and something for pain. Also they gave me a shot, saying that I might have a urine infection. They didn’t even touch me.
The thing is, I feel that there are balls in my ovaries and I feel the pain on my right ab, in the belly button line, again, when I stretch, or bend, sit, for example. Sometimes I feel it on my low back. I started the medicine today. And my period so far, looks like it’s gonna end up soon, and I’m just in the second day. And I feel full, huge, heavy even if I didn’t eat very much. The scale changed too.
I wanted a blood test for making sure I don’t have an ectopic pregnancy, but they didn’t do and my doctor’s appointment will be just next week. I’m so confused, because I know I have many symptoms that can be either from a cyst, an ectopic pregnancy or urine or kidney infection or even just Pre period. And I’m scared cause my doctor’s appointment is one week from now. I know this sort of pregnancies need to be diagnostic soon.
Does anybody have an opinion, suggest? anything until I see my doctor.
I feel so floated, heavy, like I never felt before in my life and it’s killing me that I couldn’t get an appointment before.
As I said, my period lasted for 2 days, it’s almost gone. There’s just a little brown discharge now. I don’t feel so heavy anymore, but I’m still floated and something is disturbing on my right low back. Sometimes it goes to the abdomen, but it’s concentrated on the back. It’s a little better when I drink chamomile tea. And sometimes I feel dizzy, but as the ER prescribed, I’m taking Ofloxacin and Naproxen that it says it may cause dizziness. I’m trying doctors, but the earliest I found is for Sunday (I didn’t know that doctors work on Sundays, but that’s good). Also, I’m pretty constipated.
I’m not constipated anymore, so this is not the reason for my floating.

ANSWER:
The ER should have done a blood test. I would call your doctor and convince them you need a blood pregnancy test immediately. You should not need an appt to have on done. If the blood test comes back negative you are not pregnant. HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is a hormone produced by embryos shortly after conception. Even ectopic pregnancies release HCG. Typically HCG levels will double everyday in early pregnancy and with threatened miscarriage or ectopic pregancy they level off instead of doubling but they would still be present.

I think you need to have an ultrasound done as well. Call your doc and explain your concerns. If they will not get you in sooner call another doctor. Keep trying til you get someone who will give you the blood test.

QUESTION:
Do I have a malpractice law suit on my hands?
I’ve been seeing a urologist/gynecologist for the past 8 months for pelvic pain and bladder problems. I was peeing constantly, up to 50 times a day, with pelvic pain and pressure. I had to quit my job, quit school, and was a prisoner in my own home. During the 8 months of my care, I saw no improvement in my symptoms.

This doctor kept me on Valium, 2mg four times a day the entire duration of my care, along with Ambien to help me sleep. My new, current doctor said taking this medication is way over the recommended length of time, and created the possibility for addiction. I also told the doctor several times that the medication did nothing to relieve my symptoms, and that I was becoming very tolerant to it. He did nothing but tell me to continue to take it as directed, forcing me in a situation where I had to self-medicate in unhealthy ways to make it through a day of peeing several times a day.

He prescribed pelvic floor muscle therapy, where a probe electrically stimulated the muscles inside my pelvis to fatigue them and therefore stop the “muscle spasms” that he said was the main contributor to my illness. 6 sessions were performed, and my symptoms did not get any better, but continued to worsen. I also informed him that this therapy was not effective, but he continued to say that it would work “eventually.”

No diagnostic imaging took place without me having to vehemently request it. Cysts were found on my kidney, stones were found lining the insides of my kidneys, two cysts were located on either side of my urethra, and a bladder diverticulum was also noted. He said none of these had anything to do with my symptoms.

I decided that after several tests and procedures that failed, I wanted to be invasive and do a laproscopy. (I’m sorry if that is misspelled). I explained that I had suspicions of endomitriosis since my symptoms occurred primarily around my menstrual cycle. I also wanted another cystoscopy of the bladder done since the doctor who performed it last diagnosed it incorrectly. He said the last thing he wanted to do was be invasive, and that I should just continue my regimen and therapy. He also said that it was unnecessary to check for endomitriosis because I was not trying to have a baby any time soon. He said to stay on a continual dosage of birth control and my Valium. At this point, he decided to supplement the Valium with Elavil. When the time came for me to try and conceive, and failed over a year’s worth of time, then, he said, he would check for endomitriosis.

I also said that there was a procedure I read about called Intrastim, which is an implant that could be used to regulate the overactive nerve firings to and from the bladder to stop the intense urge to urinate. He said this is rarely done, and only in its experimental stage in Europe. We later found out from my current doctor that it has been used in the U.S. for several years, and is a very common procedure for patients with my particular illness.

My primary care physician said to get a second opinion. Within 5 days, I was scheduled for surgery. They found endomitriosis all over the top of my bladder, unnecessary tissue developing that was pushing my organs together that obstructed my fallopian tubes and ovarian function, and a mild case of interstitial cystitis. Had this procedure never been performed, I could have possibly never been able to have children. Here I am, in recovery, and I’ve never felt better.

I am very bitter, and very angry at how much of my life was wasted because of the run around this doctor gave me. I feel that I was treated completely unethically, considering it took one doctor 5 days to figure out what was wrong with me, and the other 8 months with STILL no consistent diagnosis when I left.

Based upon the above facts, do I have sufficient evidence to sue for malpractice?

Thank you all for reading this lengthy question. I appreciate your answers.
I did do the research. The only way I got anything out of him was my own research. I failed to mention this was doctor #8, after other doctors had failed in the same way. So saying that it’s my fault because I didn’t do the research, or try other doctors, is unwarranted.

ANSWER:
No. You do not have a case, unless you can prove you suffered irreparable harm, or your condition was irreparably aggravated by the doctor’s negligence.

QUESTION:
does this mean im in for a short life ahead?
ive suffered stress and trauma all the way through my life, countless bad times up until right now being 31. i now live alone and are relying on mental health services for support, never built any social relationships ever in life , i have ptsd and bpd . im slightly overweight, out of shape because of inactivity for so long , ive aged prematurely etc.

i saw this question earlier and even worrying answer :

Why does stress age us so much? IS the damage reversable?

answer :

Prolonged stress is very damaging to your health, not in just your appearance, but on your organs as well. It raises blood pressure, damaging your kidneys, and heart, and blood vessels…and yes, it can potentially cost you your life due to the damage it causes your body. It also affects your immune system. See the link below:

so does this mean according to the way my life has gone, i dont have long left ?

my ankle is injured, had an operation last night , have to go back in 2 weeks to find out what the next plan is , i didnt have surgery on it only a diagnostic operation to find out whats wrong, i sprained it badly a year ago – so its very weak and easily gives way.

im nearly 31 and worrying about diabetes , im overweight slightly , been very inactive for so long because of my agoraphobia anxiety and rage problems , very out of shape, was tested for it early this year but the results were negative, i was in the clear , however i get thirsty alot sometimes and worry about it, i have no family history of diabetes, but i worry badly, urinate alot , but was tested in urology months ago, all tests were clear.

the fact that my joints ache sometimes and i urinate a lot my dr said it could be my intense anxiety or my consumption of caffeine

ANSWER:
From what you have said, you have had a very unfortunate life, full of drama and trauma. Those things happened in your past and before you can move on, you need to let go of them.
If you keep running them over and over in your mind, you are causing yourself stress, and stress is damaging to your mind, body and spirit.
Some of the damage caused and some of the damage you repeatedly cause yourself is and will be permanent. But you can do a lot to alleviate your stress, by being aware that past things are over and done with and it is only the now that you have to deal with.
There is no need for you to be overweight or out of shape due to inactivity. Become active! Right now, because of your ankle, I wouldn’t suggest any exercises that require you to stand. But you can sit and develop your arm muscles, by using 2, gallon size, plastic water or milk bottles filled 1/2 full with water, then gradually fill them fuller and fuller as your strength increases. Use them like hand weights. Sitting down, with your arms straight, bring them from a hanging position, straight out to your sides until they reach shoulder height. Lower them slowly. Do the same thing, slowly reaching straight out in front of you and then at a 45 degree angle in front of yourself. You can grab a hold of the chair seat and try to lift your body off the chair with your arms. You can sit and raise the calves of your legs, straight out in front of you – hold for 5 seconds and slowly lower them. Lie down on your bed and do sit ups with bent legs, it’s easier on your back that way. Then do leg lifts while you’re flat on your back. Go online and find other excercises you can do. Excercises are also good for inactive, aching joints. Go easy in the beginning and work your way up to more activity as you feel stronger.
If you’ve been tested for diabetes and the results were negative, you don’t have to worry anymore. Relax.
You’re supposed to drink 6-8 8 ounce glasses of water a day and neither coffee, tea or soda count. If you’re thirsty, that’s good! Drink water. I know that being very thirsty is one symptom of diabetes, my husband has it. But it’s only one of many symptoms. Caffeine can make you thirsty too.
Not having a family history of diabetes is a good sign, but in the long haul, people who are overweight have more of a tendency to get it.
For now, you’re in the clear!
Sandilynn

QUESTION:
My 60 year old father is having a hard time urinating. Can anyone help me with this?
My 60 year old father is having a hard time urinating. He feels the urge to pee about every half hour but feels he has to stress himself to get anything out. He is also complaining of lower back pains in the kidney region. The doctor has taken blood tests and a CAT scan which the results haven’t come back yet. The doctor has also put him on antibiotics which don’t seem to be working even though he’s only been taking them for about 4 days. If anybody has any advice or maybe a diagnostic guess it would be much appreciated if you sent me some. thank you. your time is much appreciated.

ANSWER:
Could be a swollen prostate and i am surprised that the doctor didn;t check for that first

QUESTION:
Got this from Yahoo news Menu Foods Delayed recall?
By MARK JOHNSON, Associated Press Writer Fri Mar 23, 12:16 PM ET
ALBANY, N.Y. – Rat poison has been found in pet food blamed for the deaths of at least 16 cats and dogs, a spokeswoman for the State

Department of Agriculture and Markets said Friday.
Spokeswoman Jessica Chittenden would not identify the chemical or its source beyond saying it was a rodent poison.
ABC News reported it was aminopterin that may have been on imported wheat used in the pet food. Aminopterin is used to kill rats in some countries but is not registered for that use in the United States, according to the

Environmental Protection Agency. The chemical, also a cancer drug, is highly toxic in high doses.
Officials from the agriculture department and Cornell University’s Animal Health Diagnostic Center would not immediately confirm the ABC report but scheduled a news conference Friday afternoon to release laboratory findings from tests on the pet food.
The

Food and Drug Administration has said the investigation was focusing on wheat gluten in the food. Wheat gluten itself would not cause kidney failure, but the common ingredient could have been contaminated by heavy metals or mold toxins, the FDA said.
State and

FBI officials said they knew of no criminal investigations in the case.
The pet deaths led to a recall of 60 million cans and pouches of pet food produced by Menu Foods and sold throughout North America under 95 brand names. There have been several reports of kidney failure in pets that ate the recalled brands, and the company has confirmed the deaths of 15 cats and one dog.
Menu Foods last week recalled “cuts and gravy” style dog and cat food. The recall sparked concern among pet owners across North America. It includes food sold under store brands carried by Wal-Mart, Kroger, Safeway and other large retailers, as well as private labels such as Iams, Nutro and Eukanuba.
Menu Foods is majority owned by Menu Foods Income Fund of Streetsville. The company also makes foods for zoo cats, but those products are unaffected by the recall.
The company’s chief executive and president said Menu Foods delayed announcing the recall until it could confirm that the animals had eaten its product before dying. Two earlier complaints from consumers whose cats had died involved animals that lived outside or had access to a garage, which left open the possibility they had been poisoned by something other than contaminated food, he said.
Menu Foods planned a media teleconference for later Friday, a spokesman said.
A spokesman for New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo said he was not aware of any criminal investigation involving the tainted food. FBI spokesman Paul Holstein in Albany said Friday he was not aware of any FBI involvement in the case.
“I don’t know where we’ll go from here,” he said.
A complete list of the recalled products along with product codes, descriptions and production dates was posted online by Menu Foods and is available at http://tinyurl.com/2pn6mm. The company also designated two phone numbers that pet owners could call for information: (866) 463-6738 and (866) 895-2708.
___
Associated Press writer Andrew Bridges in Washington contributed to this report.
___
On the Net:
FDA pet food recall information: http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/petfood.html
Menu Foods: http://tinyurl.com/2pn6mm

http://www.petconnection.com/

ANSWER:
I read that they did not say anything for a month.
If you want more information go to www.howl 911.com and you will see more about this whole recall. I checked it out and I am still in shock. The FDA is in real trouble. thats what I read. They are are going to try to get the top guy to resign because of this. It has alot of information go check it out.

QUESTION:
fever for the past 6 months,,tell me the address n precedure to contact boston dignostic centre?
i hve been examined through all blood test like aec,pcr,elisa,montoux,malaria parasite,filaria antigen,its all negative.i hve deep vein thrombosys,cud that b a reason,mild splinomegaly n a bit lever too is enlarged,mild prostrate are also enlarged,the fever remeains 24 hours and it reaches 101.5,for this i m taking lyser d 1 bd n flexon 1bd,it my spoil my kidneys,i m told that there is a diagnostic centre in boston ,please tell me the way how to approach them n what is there fees

QUESTION:
Would lactulose cause my cat to drink more water?
I recently took her to the vet for constipation. The vet did a complete diagnostic checkup: xray and blood testing. They found nothing wrong with her. They put her on enulose (a lactulose solution) to prevent future constipation. I give her 1ml twice a day. She takes it well and has been more regular. She has been on this for about a month now. Shortly after starting the medication, I noticed an increase in her water consumption. I know this could be a warning sign of kidney disease but she just had a full check up and before taking the medication her water consumption was normal. Is this a side effect of this medication? What are some other side effects I should be aware of? Thanks!

ANSWER:
I think your cat isn’t taking in anough water in the rfirst place and that is what caused the origional constipation problem. I would recommend trying a wet diet before giving your cat a medication for a problem that can be solved witha proper diet.

Cats were never meant to eat dry food, also known as cereals or kibble. We, humans, make them eat it for convenience to us. It has nothing to do with them or their nutritional needs. It’s completely species inappropriate.

All small domestic cats descended from desert cats. In the wild, desert cats derive their entire liquid intake from their prey. They do not have a thirst mechanism because they don’t need it when eating a species appropriate diet. They get all they need from what they eat. Additionally water was usually not available to them in their desert climate. So they do not often drink water. Regular ol’ house cats have descended from those same wild desert cats.

So in a home environment, your kitty does not get the moisture it needs from dry food and it’s almost always in a constant state of dehydration. Water fountains are encouraged to TRY to get your cat to drink more and your kitty may even enjoy it, but it will never meet its water intake needs drinking from a bowl.

Deadly feline illnesses such as diabetes, kidney failure, obesity, allergies, Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD), bladder stones, kidney stones, urinary tract blockages and Urinary Tract Infections (FLUTD), with and without deadly crystals run rampant these days. Cats are not taking in enough water to stave them off. Proper water intake through a species appropriate diet alone can prevent most of these conditions.

It is also bogus that kibble cleans teeth. DRY FOOD DOES NOT CLEAN TEETH. It’s an old myth that has been scientifically disproved for years, but old-school vets drilled it into people’s heads for so long (and sadly still do) that people still believe it. Cats can not “chew”. They do not have flat “chewing” teeth. Their molars are not for grinding food. They have meat ripping pointy carnivorous teeth. You may see them “crunch” a piece of food once to crack and break it… but they are absolutely unable to chew a hard piece of food. Want your cat to have clean teeth? Give them an appropriately sized raw bone to chew on. )

Overall, wet is all around better for any cats diet, be it canned or Raw and they should never be fed dry cereal kibble if we wish to most closely match their wild nutritional and dietary needs. Kibble meets our needs… not our cats.

I have a 16 year old dog, Norwegian Elkhound mix (though recent things suggest some direct wolf-lineage)… For over a month now, he’s had varying degrees of diarrhea, vomiting, etc… It started with the vet just saying to put him on a bland diet. Worked for a few days then got worse. Then a canned bland diet… same thing. Tried metronidazole, but that caused a rather atypical reaction of absolutely no bladder control. He was wetting the bed, several accidents in the house (which he’s never done before), etc… Took him off metronidazole and that went away in a couple days. The vet said it could be an age related issue (bladder muscles no longer what they were), but considering that went away, I highly doubt it. In the meantime, I had them run a blood test… everything came back perfect for a dog half his age, no kidney, liver, thyroid, etc… problems, except slightly high cholesterol which has been an issue for some time now, but just at the very high end of normal). I finally got pissed off at his regular vet so started taking him into the ER vet as a regular practice for a week (started because he couldn’t eat anything without vomiting and the vet said, “oh, bring him in in 3 days”… not acceptable for a 16 year old dog who had been having related ongoing problems). In the 4 times I took him in over a week, they ran an abdominal x-ray, ultrasound, standard fecal test (no parasites), diarrhea panel, gave him fluid injections, prescribed various medications (antacids, an onsite kaopectate dose, and on and on), etc… Every diagnostic came back fine, no indication of a problem whatsoever (except the x-ray appearing gassy), no tumors, etc… The ER vet even said “if there’s a dog to clone, he’s the one!” (given his age and not even slight issues). However, the vomiting stopped (though it only lasted 1 day throughout all of this), but the diarrhea continued – actually got worse, the point of being pure liquid. This past Monday, I took him in to see a specialist who ran a chest x-ray (came back fine, no sign of anything) and ran various other tests (vitamin deficiencies, full pancreatic test, etc…), as well as looking over the other x-rays, ultrasound, tests, etc… He found that my dog has a slight B12 deficiency, but extremely slight and way less than he’d expect of a dog who’s had diarrhea for a month. But otherwise, again, everything looks perfect (no problems with his pancreas, no indication of intestinal lymphoma, no chest tumors or other issues, etc…). He put him on enrofloxacin (Baytril) as a best guess (and gave him a B vitamin injection, and a supplement of Metamucil) – the reasoning being it’s gone on too long and some definitive treatment needs to be attempted, so hoping this was the right one. So far, so good. He went a day without pooping, and now his stool is firming up. No problems with urination. But we’ll see how that works in the long run. The one issue is that he selectively threw up the Metamucil, so we’ve stopped that… supposedly selective vomiting is common in wolves, but not believed to exist in domestic dogs (hence the new genetic mystery).

In the meantime, my girlfriend’s dog (a miniature poodle.. we all live together, so easy exposure) suddenly, this past Tuesday, had HORRIBLE diarrhea… extremely bloody, pure liquid, but no other symptoms. We got her into the vet and they put her on metronidazole and ran a fecal test (the fact that she wasn’t showing any other symptoms, is about 3 years old, and we live somewhere where parvo is extremely uncommon made them confident it wasn’t that, which I’d certainly agree with). She had no temperature, was only slightly dehydrated, and had quite the appetite and as bouncy/hyper as always. The fecal test came back today negative for any parasites.

However, here’s the kicker… the metronidazole, while it’s stopped the diarrhea, is also causing her to pee a lot! Not as bad as my dog (she hasn’t had any accidents), but she has to go out for a walk every couple hours. I’ve asked the vet she went to to switch her over to Baytril, and am having my dog’s records faxed over to show them precedent for why… But at this point, it’s entirely symptomatic. There is no concrete reason *why* they’d both appear to be healthy yet have diarrhea, and respond to metronidazole in the same very atypical way. It seems there should be a link, but I certainly can’t figure it out and no vets can either.

Does anyone have experience with an extremely rare bacteria/virus/whatever that’s not detected in tests and causes increased urination when treated with metronidazole?

Sorry that’s so long, but at this point it’s puzzling me, my girlfriend, 3 ER vets, 2 regular practice vets, and a renowned internal medic
They’ve gotten no table scraps, and that wouldn’t explain why both have the same weird reaction to the same medication (Elkhound vs poodle… not likely to respond to things that similarly for no reason) and that far apart, nor why it’s gone on so long. And I’d say if 6 vets (actually 7, as there were 2 who saw my dog at the regular practice) are all stumped, I think it’s less an issue of the vet and more an issue of something extremely odd. I appreciate input, so I mean no disrespect, but I’m largely looking for people who have had experience with something that would cause this, or have heard about it before.
My dog’s not at the end of his life (and I honestly don’t appreciate such a patronizing remark)… every single diagnostic confirmed otherwise. And, hypothetically, if he were, how would simple old-age be contagious to a 3 year old poodle?

Again, we’ve had every diagnostic under the sun. A 16 year old and 3 year old of very different breeds are having the same symptoms. I don’t mean to sound ungrateful, as I appreciate responses, but both responses so far are overlooking countless big details.
Sorry for editing so much, but I’d also like to add that no one dies of “old age”… Old age leads to a reduction in the ability of one of body’s systems which results in death, but “old age” (simply chronological age) doesn’t cause someone to die (heart failure, liver failure, cancer, etc… caused by a slowing of hormone process, body’s synthesis of nutrients, etc… causes death, and none of which apply to him according to every test by various vets). Based on every blood test, x-ray, ultrasound, etc… my dog would be extremely healthy for a dog half his age. He enjoys walks, playing, cuddling, etc… and I think it’s very irresponsible and patronizing the imply someone should have their otherwise healthy dog put to sleep just because of age. Again, his only medical problem is diarrhea, which a 3 year poodle now has with the same symptoms/medication reactions, and every test indicates he’s freakishly healthy.

Again, I’ve outlined every variable… I would REALLY appreciate seri
ous responses (I’d be so grateful), but please read what I wrote.

Pamela: No, apparently I can’t. Even with a long rant with every variable outlined, people still apparently won’t read it/ignore 90% of what was said. : I can only imagine how people would skew it if I tried to leave details out (ie: said I was at several vets, someone says to find a new vet… said diagnostics show my dog is healthy and a 3 year old dog is having the same, someone suggests my dog is dying of old age and I should kill him… wtf?!)

ANSWER:
Look up Canine Enteritis it sounds a lot like what your dog is doing. It is also contagious which would explain why the other dog has gotten symptoms (While your dog is getting treatment for enteritis, you should monitor its condition closely. You should try to keep your dog away from other pet animals and children. This is because enteritis in dogs is contagious and spreads fast through physical contact) it is also helped to be cured by antibiotics which would say why the metronidazole is helping but not curing it. I hope this helps. I found your question to hit home a little bit so took a little more time on this one. we went through a similar situation with a cough that would not clear up or go away. I can’t even imagine the money you have into this up to this point. We spent at least 00.00 trying to figure out what was wrong with our dog. It is very frustrating. Sometimes it helps to just scan the internet and research different symptoms and meds that your vet has put him on. We also ended up taking our dog to a State University hospital. That’s who actually figured out what was wrong with him after almost a year! In case your wondering it was E-Coli. But also did you try taking out fatty foods from his diet at least until you figure this out. My dog has a sensitive stomach and can only eat lamb, deer, salmon things like that. No beef , pork, chicken ect. Hopefully this helps I wish you the best of luck. But really think about taking him to a State University. We had very good luck there! So sorry this is happening to you and your dog. Hope he gets better:)I’m also sorry this is so long but I hope it helps:) Good Luck

Also the only side effects of metronidazole that is really mentioned repeatedly is the bad taste which leads me to think maybe they are trying to get the taste out of there mouth and drinking a lot more. I did however find that frequent urination in humans using it is a common side effect, not sure if it would be the same for canines though? If I do find more info I will let you know:) Cushings and Addisons is not contagious either which would not explain why the other dog has the same symptoms.

QUESTION:
Can you believe this? It was rat poisoning and they knew about for weeks………….?
(CBS News) NEW YORK Rat poison has been found in pet food blamed for the deaths of at least 16 cats and dogs, a spokeswoman for the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets said Friday.

The toxin was identified as aminopterin, state Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker said in a statement. Aminopterin is used to kill rats in some countries, but it’s not registered for that use in the United States, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

The officials did not say how they believe it got into the pet food.

Pet poison experts will be answering questions in a live chat on the ASPCA website at 3:00 p.m. EDT. Click here for a link to the website.

The substance was found at a level of at least 40 parts per million in tested cat food samples, according to Donald Smith, dean of Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Testing was done at the New York State Animal Health Diagnostic Center at Cornell and at the New York State Food Laboratory.

“Any amount of this product is too much in food,” Hooker said.

The lab tested three cat food samples provided by Menu Foods, the manufacturer that produced all the recalled food. Aminopterin was found in two samples. The lab has not tested any dog food.

Hooker said the lab would be testing individual components of the pet food.

Aminopterin, also used as a cancer drug, is highly toxic in high doses. It inhibits the growth of malignant cells and suppresses the immune system.

The Food and Drug Administration has said the investigation was focusing on wheat gluten in the food. Wheat gluten itself would not cause kidney failure, but the common ingredient could have been contaminated by heavy metals or mold toxins, the FDA said.

State and FBI officials said they knew of no criminal investigations in the case.

The pet deaths led to a recall of 60 million cans and pouches of pet food produced by Menu Foods and sold throughout North America under 95 brand names. There have been several reports of kidney failure in pets that ate the recalled brands, and the company has confirmed the deaths of 15 cats and one dog.

Menu Foods last week recalled “cuts and gravy” style dog and cat food. The recall sparked concern among pet owners across North America. It includes food sold under store brands carried by Wal-Mart, Kroger, Safeway and other large retailers, as well as private labels such as Iams, Nutro and Eukanuba.

A complete list of the recalled products along with product codes, descriptions and production dates was available from the Menu Foods Web site.

The recall has led to at least three lawsuits against Menu Foods from pet owners who allege their animals got sick or died after eating recalled food.

Mourning turned to outrage after owners learned that Menu Foods waited nearly a month before notifying the public, reports CBS News The Early Show veterinarian Dr. Debbye Turner. This means that unsuspecting owners were poisoning their pets.

“To find out they knew about this weeks ago, and that the cats they tested died!” former cat owner Dawn Marjerczyk told CBS. Marjerczyk’s cat died after eating some of the tainted cat food. “Why wasn’t it pulled off then? Why do so many people have to suffer right now?”

The company’s chief executive and president said Menu Foods delayed announcing the recall until it could confirm that the animals had eaten its product before dying. Two earlier complaints from consumers whose cats had died involved animals that lived outside or had access to a garage, which left open the possibility they had been poisoned by something other than contaminated food, he said.

Menu Foods also makes foods for zoo cats, but those products are unaffected by the recall.

A spokesman for New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo said he was not aware of any criminal investigation involving the tainted food. FBI spokesman Paul Holstein in Albany said Friday he was not aware of any FBI involvement in the case.

“I don’t know where we’ll go from here,” he said.
Go into:
menufoods.com/recall
There they list the pet foods involved. If you see your pets food listed click on that link, and it will provide the dates from production and the UPC codes.
Thanks Michael for providing a link

ANSWER:
thanks for the info. it’s sad to know they waited so long to report the bad batch. many people, especially older people have pets who are alone and their pets are their companions. my mom who is 67 went nuts when she herd the report. shes had old mecko for years.

QUESTION:
Can someone help me understand my bill?
I went to the emergency room cause I had this unbearable pain under my ribs kinda on my back. I was in the waiting room for most of the time. Anyways, they took a blood test, pee test, CAT scan, put an IV, gave me this pain killer through the IV, anti vomiting stuff. And that’s about it. I saw the doctor once to tell me I had a kidney infection.

And finally one for 112.00 for Blood, and pee test. I can’t find the bill

Ok, what the hell? I feel like i’m being charged 2x… I don’t know, help me?

the 12,000 bill the took of 10,000 dollars I was cool with it set up a payment plan. Then I got those other ones, apparently they are all seperate and i have to pay/set arrangments for all the other ones. Its nerve wrecking! I’m a poor student who lives on her own with no family and a 10.30 an hour job. I have rent, elec bill, phone bill, internet, school (i pay for FAFSA doesn’t want to help me cause i cant get my parents to fill out paper work… i have no family) i have no car, i take the bus or walk to work. I don’t know what to do, im so stressed and depressed. I mean, all i have is my 2 friends in Georgia and my dog. Please help me.

ANSWER:
Celina,

You are right here. Someone has messed up bad in your billing of the hospital charges. Call the hospital billing office and make an appointment to go and sit down and speak with them about these way out there charges. If they insist on being uncooperative call legal aid in your area for help and they will help you for free.

Being a college administrator I call tell you for a 100% fact that if your only source of income is .30 an hour you call get a full Pell Grant and Loans for College. If you need help with any of that, please email me. I would be most happy to help.

Many patients travel to India for getting the epididymal cyst removal surgery due to the huge cost savings. This huge saving in epididymal cyst removal treatment costs by itself would mean nothing, if you were not assured of the best care and in India the care is the best that money can buy. The costs epididymal cyst removal surgery in India is only 30% of what it would cost in USA, UK or any developed country of Europe.The success rate in India’s hospitals for epididymal cyst removal surgery is at par with the global averages.Hospitals of epididymal cyst removal surgery in India are located at the metros like Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi and Hyderabad.

What Is Epididymal Cyst Removal?

Epididymal cyst removal (spermatocele) is a procedure to remove cysts (fluid-filled sacs under the skin) from the testicular region. An alternative to the surgery is to drain the fluid with a needle; however, the fluid usually refills the cyst after a month or two. Treatment: A surgeon administers general anesthesia, putting the patient to sleep before the procedure. Thereafter, the surgeon makes an incision in the area, removes the cyst, and sutures the opening shut. Although they are typically benign, the surgeon might have the cyst and fluid examined. Epididymal cyst removal is fairly quick, and most patients are able to go home after a few hours of recovery in the hospital. Rest, antibiotics, and pain medication are usually recommended once the patient is released. Full recovery may take 7 to 10 days. Epididymal cyst removal is a relatively minor outpatient surgery, although most males would argue that no surgery in that area is minor. Still, some patients may not be candidates. Smokers and overweight patients are at risk. Similarly, men with blood pressure, heart, or lung problems should check with their doctors before pursuing the removal. While patients can expect mild bruising or swelling, the greatest risk during the procedure is usually the general anesthesia, which may affect the heart or lungs.

Frequently Asked Questions

QUESTION:
about multi-cystic dysplastic kidney disease….. help please!?
on tuesday of this week, i found out that my baby has multi-cystic dysplastic kidney disease on both of it’s kidneys…. its very hard to deal with the fact that they told me that my baby is going to die after its born, but are the diagnostics 100% sure… i dont know if i should seek a second opinion or just accept the fact that my baby isn’t healthy…. please give me some good advice…
thank you i appreciate everyone’s help!

ANSWER:
Im sorry to hear about this. And im also sorry to say that there is a big chance ur baby may pass away after birth. Usually when one kidney has multi cystic dysplastic disease, the baby will be able to survive. Occasionally it may occur on both sides but this is incompatible with life, primarily because the kidney is responsible for producing the amniotic fluid which is vital to lung development.

Im sorry and im hopin for the best, Take care and i will be prayin for you and your child.

QUESTION:
Polycystic kidney disease?
My blood pressure has been up and my doctor finally decided to put me on bp meds, he wants me to have some urine testing and maybe an ultrasound. What are the probabilities of me having poly cystic kidney disease and I have no symptoms and no kidney pains, Thanks

QUESTION:
Who can help me with possible side-effects of meds?
My cat has PKD (Poly-cystic Kidney Disease) and a heart murmur (7 years old), he is getting Subcu treatments once a week (200 ML’s). I noticed he recently started with the sniffles and a slight cough… I called the vet and she put him on Zeniquin 25MG just to make sure he doesn’t get a bacterial infection.

Should I be concerned about the side effects of the meds?

Thank you for any help or guidance!

SunnyD

ANSWER:
Only thing to watch for is appetite but mostly no side affects
For the sniffles,cough, get some l-lysene from a pharmacy or health food store. 1 pill 2x a day (250mg 2x a day)
Best of luck

QUESTION:
why am i excessivly drinking but not urinating?
For the past couple days, I’ve been drinking so much water but I haven’t been peeing as much as I should. I’ve drank about 11 watter bottles today but only peed once. My stomach feel very bloated and my fingers/ankles have been swollen. I’m not pregnant & it’s not the “time of the month” but I do have a condition called poly-cystic kidney disease. Any advice … Help ? Thank you

ANSWER:
When your urine out put is less and your ankles are swollen we should suspect a kidney failure. Immediately go to your doctor or Emergency dept. and have your urine tested for albumin and blood checked for sugar, urea and creatinine. You should have your BP also checked. Doctor will advise you according to your investigation reports. Don’t delay. Go as soon as you can.

QUESTION:
Problems caused by very large kidney?
I have poly cystic kidney disease and when I went for my regular checkup the doctor said I may need to have my left kidney removed as it is so big. When I lye on my back the kidney can actually be seen sticking out of my abdomen, its probably the size of a water mellon. I also had a kidney transplant 5 years ago as both kidneys failed, the new kidney is on the right side. I am just wondering what the point of removing it is if its not bothering me other than the odd cyst bursting and I have never had a urine infection or problems with my digestive system from the pressure.

ANSWER:

QUESTION:
Urine turns red in toilet. Why? Chemical Reaction?
Can a chemical in a person’s urine react with bleach, creating a red, blood-like color or a brownish-red color? The urine is yellow until mixing with the toilet water, when it turns red. There is also back pain, there is a family history of cystic kidney disease, and this has happened in several toilets in different places.

ANSWER:
Nope, I bet it’s actually brown/red inside your body as well, but it’s more noticeable in the tank.

You need to get to a doctor quickly to have this diagnosed :/

QUESTION:
help…………….?
Hi i am 11 and my mom and dad are both sick. (mom has diagnosis’s and takes 46 pills a day, dad has poly-cystic kidney disease and has 13% of his kidney left the other is completely gone) i have to make lunch for them and myself what should i make? and not something ignorant like sandwiches i know how to cook i kinda have to cuz they are always sick thxx:]

ANSWER:
Sorry your parents are sick. You are a good kid for taking care of them. Can they eat regular foods? I don’t know how sick they are, but if they can eat fairly well and eat regular meals, you could go to www.google.com on the computer and search for simple meals, and it should give you lots of recipes. But for some quick things, here’s a small list to hopefully help you out.
spaghetti
macaroni & cheese
chicken noodle soup
tomato soup
soups are good with grilled cheese sandwiches
chicken salad (chicken, mayonaise, chopped onion & celery)
baked potatoes
egg omelets (add cheese, deli ham, onions – anything you’d like)
stir-fry (chicken, carrots, peas, chopped onions, any vegies)
cooked rice – use chicken broth instead of water for good tasty rice

If they cannot eat regular foods, stick with chicken or beef boullion (broth), toast, hot tea, jello (they could even drink the warm jello before it gets hard – my family loves this when they are sick), buttered noodles (just cook noodles in water and when they are done, drain them and then stir in just a little butter and a litte salt and pepper) , Ramen oodles-of-noodles (follow direction on package), applesauce, bananas.

I hope this helps you out some. Good Luck.

QUESTION:
Is there any help for my family?
Hi was wandering if anyone knew if there was any help out there my sisters husband has poly-cystic kidney disease which we got approved to receive a kidney for then they give us more bad news right before they went in to get his transplant they told him he has colon cancer which is in his blood stream so naturally he cant get a transplant now because the cancer will spread like wild fire and he cant get chemo because it will cause his kidney to fail even sooner they have given him six months to 10 years depending on how aggressive it becomes he has only asked for one thing he wants to get his house fixed for his family before he dies please if you know of a charity or place that will help us with his wish let us know please and may god bless you.
I have googled this and cant find anything so if you cant be helpfull please don’t reply and have applied to every charity i could find so what im asking is if anyone out there does this or if i missed a charity you may know of.

ANSWER:
Contact the builders association for your area. Often they will donate time, materials, or both to a project such as yours. Habitat for Humanity is another option, as they can do free or very low cost renovations. Where I live (Wisconsin), there is an organization called Project Home that does a volunteer blitz every May called Hammer with a Heart which does the kind of renovations you are talking about. Good luck to you.

ANSWER:
If the Creator is the God of the Bible, then we are told that this is a cursed earth (all of creation is suffering as a result of man’s sin in Genesis 3); everything is in a state of progressive degeneration—bad things are supposed to happen and things are expected to get worse (e.g. mutational load). Unlike God, the creation is wearing out like a garment (as it says in Psalm 102:25-26).

It’s like the example of a gardener digging up an ancient book—the book is falling apart, it’s pages are mostly stuck together, and the type has faded. Does the current condition of the book mean that it never carried a message and that it wasn’t designed? The book is in a degenerative condition, but there is no denying that it was designed for a purpose and optimal for doing it’s job at one point in time.

Suppose you turn on a computer and it’s not working property. What do you say, “This computer must not have been designed because it’s not working properly”?

An unbeliever looks at the earth and finds examples of what he or she believes are evidences of poor design. Yet, it is very likely they might be witnessing degeneration from the Fall, or that they are simply ignorant of the purpose.

QUESTION:
hey, i was wondering if you could..?
fill this out??

1. . Male or Female
2. When where you born
3. Do you usually feel happy?
4. What is your height? (m)
5. What is your weight? (kg)
6. What is your BMI?
7. Where does that place you on the BMI scale?
8. Are you classed as overweight/underweight?
9. Do you smoke?
10. Does anyone in your immediate family smoke?
11. Is there a history of Cancer in your family?
12. Do you suffer from Cystic Fibrosis?
13. Is there a history of Cystic Fibrosis in your family?
14. Do you suffer from Down Syndrome?
15. Is there a history of Down Syndrome in your family?
16. Do you suffer from Polycystic Kidney Disease?
17. Is there a history of Polycystic Kidney Disease in your family?
18. How many hours a week do you exercise?
19. What types of foods do you eat?
20. How many hours sleep do you get most nights?
21. Do you have high blood pressure?
22. How often do you drink alcohol?
23. Do you live in a city or the country?
24. Are you stressed always/sometimes/never?
25. Have you ever had a heart attack?
26. How many people do you know who have had a heart attack/stroke?
27. Is there a history of heart disease in your family?
28. Ever had Lyme Disease?
29. Do you live near contaminated rivers/bushland?
30. Do you live with family or partner/alone?
31. Do you want to live a long and good life?

QUESTION:
I DARE YA…. if your bored?
1. Male or Female
2. When where you born
3. Do you usually feel happy?
4. What is your height? (m)
5. What is your weight? (kg)
6. What is your BMI?
7. Where does that place you on the BMI scale?
8. Are you classed as overweight/underweight?
9. Do you smoke?
10. Does anyone in your immediate family smoke?
11. Is there a history of Cancer in your family?
12. Do you suffer from Cystic Fibrosis?
13. Is there a history of Cystic Fibrosis in your family?
14. Do you suffer from Down Syndrome?
15. Is there a history of Down Syndrome in your family?
16. Do you suffer from Polycystic Kidney Disease?
17. Is there a history of Polycystic Kidney Disease in your family?
18. How many hours a week do you exercise?
19. What types of foods do you eat?
20. How many hours sleep do you get most nights?
21. Do you have high blood pressure?
22. How often do you drink alcohol?
23. Do you live in a city or the country?
24. Are you stressed always/sometimes/never?
25. Have you ever had a heart attack?
26. How many people do you know who have had a heart attack/stroke?
27. Is there a history of heart disease in your family?
28. Ever had Lyme Disease?
29. Do you live near contaminated rivers/bushland?
30. Do you live with family or partner/alone?
31. Do you want to live a long and good life?

PLEASE FILL IN FOR ME!!!

if you want, i can calc it for you too

P.S. if you dont know the answer, leave it… or guess!

ANSWER:
1. Male or Female- Female
2. When where you born – Ireland
3. Do you usually feel happy?- Sometimes
4. What is your height? (m) – 5ft5
5. What is your weight? (kg) Duno
6. What is your BMI? ??
7. Where does that place you on the BMI scale? ??
8. Are you classed as overweight/underweight? ideal
9. Do you smoke? Sometimes
10. Does anyone in your immediate family smoke? yea
11. Is there a history of Cancer in your family? Yes
12. Do you suffer from Cystic Fibrosis? No
13. Is there a history of Cystic Fibrosis in your family? No
14. Do you suffer from Down Syndrome? No
15. Is there a history of Down Syndrome in your family? dunt fink so
16. Do you suffer from Polycystic Kidney Disease? No
17. Is there a history of Polycystic Kidney Disease in your family? No
18. How many hours a week do you exercise? duno hour every mornin
19. What types of foods do you eat? loada junk food, crisps, pizza, odd bowl of fruit if i can be bothered
20. How many hours sleep do you get most nights? 7-8
21. Do you have high blood pressure? No
22. How often do you drink alcohol? Every weekend
23. Do you live in a city or the country? city
24. Are you stressed always/sometimes/never? Sometimes
25. Have you ever had a heart attack? No
26. How many people do you know who have had a heart attack/stroke? Couple
27. Is there a history of heart disease in your family? No
28. Ever had Lyme Disease? No
29. Do you live near contaminated rivers/bushland? Yes
30. Do you live with family or partner/alone? Family
31. Do you want to live a long and good life? Yup

QUESTION:
PLEASE FILL THIS OUT FOR ME!!! life expectancy calc?
1.Male or Female
2.When where you born
3.Do you usually feel happy?
4.What is your height? (m)
5.What is your weight? (kg)
6.What is your BMI?
7.Where does that place you on the BMI scale?
8.Are you classed as overweight/underweight?
9.Do you smoke?
10.Does anyone in your immediate family smoke?
11.Is there a history of Cancer in your family?
12.Do you suffer from Cystic Fibrosis?
13.Is there a history of Cystic Fibrosis in your family?
14.Do you suffer from Down Syndrome?
15.Is there a history of Down Syndrome in your family?
16.Do you suffer from Polycystic Kidney Disease?
17.Is there a history of Polycystic Kidney Disease in your family?
18.How many hours a week do you exercise?
19.What types of foods do you eat?
20.How many hours sleep do you get most nights?
21.Do you have high blood pressure?
22.How often do you drink alcohol?
23.Do you live in a city or the country?
24.Are you…?
25.Have you ever had a heart attack?
26.How many people do you know who have had a heart attack/stroke?
27.Is there a history of heart disease in your family?
28.Ever had Lyme Disease?
29.Do you live near contaminated rivers/bushland?
30.Do you live…?
31.Do you want to live a long and good life?

PLEASE FILL THIS OUT FOR ME!!!! PLEASE…

ANSWER:
1.Male or Female – Female
2.When where you born – 1988
3.Do you usually feel happy? – Half the time
4.What is your height? (cm?) – 5’7”… about 170cm or 1.7 m
5.What is your weight? (kg) – 56
6.What is your BMI? – 19.6
7.Where does that place you on the BMI scale? – average
8.Are you classed as overweight/underweight? – no
9.Do you smoke? – no
10.Does anyone in your immediate family smoke? – god yes
11.Is there a history of Cancer in your family? – no that I know of
12.Do you suffer from Cystic Fibrosis? – no
13.Is there a history of Cystic Fibrosis in your family? – not that I know of
14.Do you suffer from Down Syndrome? – no
15.Is there a history of Down Syndrome in your family?- not that I know of
16.Do you suffer from Polycystic Kidney Disease? – no
17.Is there a history of Polycystic Kidney Disease in your family? – not that i know of
18.How many hours a week do you exercise? – about two
19.What types of foods do you eat? – fruit, special k, soy milk, i stay away from fast food it scares me, chinese food, fish, cheese…
20.How many hours sleep do you get most nights? – at least 5
21.Do you have high blood pressure? – no
22.How often do you drink alcohol? – i don’t
23.Do you live in a city or the country? – city
24.Are you…? – am I what?
25.Have you ever had a heart attack? – no

QUESTION:
Please fill this out for me!!! Please. Life Expectancy Calc?
1.Male or Female
2.When where you born
3.Do you usually feel happy?
4.What is your height? (m)
5.What is your weight? (kg)
6.What is your BMI?
7.Where does that place you on the BMI scale?
8.Are you classed as overweight/underweight?
9.Do you smoke?
10.Does anyone in your immediate family smoke?
11.Is there a history of Cancer in your family?
12.Do you suffer from Cystic Fibrosis?
13.Is there a history of Cystic Fibrosis in your family?
14.Do you suffer from Down Syndrome?
15.Is there a history of Down Syndrome in your family?
16.Do you suffer from Polycystic Kidney Disease?
17.Is there a history of Polycystic Kidney Disease in your family?
18.How many hours a week do you exercise?
19.What types of foods do you eat?
20.How many hours sleep do you get most nights?
21.Do you have high blood pressure?
22.How often do you drink alcohol?
23.Do you live in a city or the country?
24.Are you stressed always/sometimes/never?
25.Have you ever had a heart attack?
26.How many people do you know who have had a heart attack/stroke?
27.Is there a history of heart disease in your family?
28.Ever had Lyme Disease?
29.Do you live near contaminated rivers/bushland?
30.Do you live with family or partner/alone?
31.Do you want to live a long and good life?

ANSWER:
yeah… you can’t use yahoo answers to get yourself through medical school… after seeing this, I am afraid to ever get sick or get hurt, because people that work like this may end up being the people that treat me.

2. A flock of 1,400 wildbeasts has 867 homozygous dominant individuals.Calculate the allele and genotype frequencies.

3. If a population has an allele frequency of p=0.35, how many heterozygotes would there be in a population of 3200.

4. Cystic fibrosis affects 1 in 10,000 individuals. What percentage of the population would be expected to be carriers for the trait.

5. In a population of Aleutians, 942 individuals have type MN blood, while 304 have type MM, and 254 have type NN. What are the allele and genotype frequencies.

6. A human trait involving finger length in humans in recessive in males but dominant in females. A survey of 938 college students found that 385 of 438 males and 104 of 500 females had dominant phenotypes. What are allele frequencies in each sex

7. The presence of thoms in floribunda roses is governed by a dominant allele, Q. In a population of 457 roses, there are 7 plants that have no thorns, while the remaining plants have varying sizes of thorns. What is the frequency of the dominant allele in this population?

8. There were 666 cockroaches in a room, of which 24 were albino. The next generation of cockroaches totaled 13,485. Assuming that the allele for albinism is recessive, how many of these youngters would be albino.

9. In snapdragons, flower color is an incompletely dominant trait. You count all of the snapdragons in an isolated field and find there are 382 pink, 355 white, and 103 red snapdragons. Calculate the allele frequencies of this population. If the same allele frequencies were applied to a field of 6598 snapdragons, how many pink flowers would you expect to find?

10. Texas A&M University has a colony of Navasota dogs that are used to as a model for Alport syndrome, a recessive kidney disease. A littler of 14 puppies is born: 10 are carriers and 2 are homozygous dominant. What is the frequency of the A and a alleles of the new litter? If the same frequency of alleles were present in a population of 1250 Navasota dogs, how many affected dogs would there be.

QUESTION:
Can anyone here read Ct Abdomen & Pelvis lab results?
My labs come in & i have a few questions;
Ct Abdomen & Pelvis,lung base=normal,Liver=Mild farry infiltration change. No discrete lesion. Spleen=Normal. Kidneys=Several small subcentimeter low densities in both kidneys. Probable cysts, no worrisome lesion is suspected. The ureters are not dilated. Peritoneum= No free air; Cholecystectomy clips.
Bowel=No Obstruction. Appendix=normal, 16mm folicle on left ovary
Findings=Multiple small low densities in both kidneys have the appearance of small cysts. This is more than we see in a patient this age. Recommend family history of possible cystic renal disease in family.
Follow up tests showed=
Right kidney=Mid one third of kidney is a echogentic density w/o definite acoustic shadowing could be a cyst or ectatic calix with some debris within it, non shadowing calculus. Superior Pole a sonolucent mass with echogentic posterior wall felt to represent a cyst about 8mm in diameter. The mid one third of kidney has another lesion with same characteristics constitent with a cyst that is about 8 to 10 mm in diameter & Left kidney= sonolucent mass consistant with a cyst, good shadowing, distally about 1.4×1.4x 1 cm in size. More low density lesions seen. Benefit to do follow up on these parent cysts. Both kidneys normal in size and contour. no evidence of hydronephrosis.
I’m not really worried except the lab said i have to many cysts for my age. My family doctor told me i don’t. Is this to many cysts?
Mild fatty not farry it’s late..
It doesn’t say that you have polycystic kidney disease or other major pathology. One person I know has to talk to the ultrasound technician every time that a kidney ultrasound is done.
>>>>>>>>>>>
The tech told me i had to many my family doctor said i don’t it just made me confused a little. I have pain in my right side so much i can’t walk and it is very painful. I had so many tests but they are finding nothing. I guess i just want to stop hurting all the time.

ANSWER:
There are multiple cysts described by the imaging studies, however in cases of polycystic kidney disease there are usually MANY MANY more cysts than the 3 or so you have.

I think your family doctor is right and I don’t think you need to be investigated for polycystic kidney disease.

It would, however, be prudent to keep an eye on the kidney function – to take a urine test and blood test from time to time (?annually) to keep an eye on things.

QUESTION:
What’s wrong with me?
For the past few years I have been sniffing and even coughing constantly. I sometimes have nosebleeds from sniffing and also ear infections from sniffing as well. I have so much mucus built up in me right now it’s so hard to breath. I have shortness of breath and sometimes feel like I am going to die.

I also have a very bad bladder, everytime I eat something it “goes right through me” and I don’t know why. I try so hard to keep things down.

I don’t know but do you think I got Cystic Fibrosis which is a deadly mucus disease? Also may I have a kidney or bladder infection as well? I need sites as well please and thank-you.

ANSWER:
I seriously doubt you have CF–symptoms usually emerge during infancy and childhood, and most people with CF die in their 20s and 30s (so you would be on your way to death right now.)
A deviated septum would explain the shortness of breath, the nasal congestion, AND the nosebleeds. (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/deviated-septum/ds00977/dsection=symptoms)
I don’t know what the bad bladder is from, but I think it’s probably a separate issue.
A bladder infection isn’t just when things ‘go right through you.’ A bladder infection (also known as a Urinary Tract Infection, or UTI) is pretty recognizable: very strong, constant urge to urinate; sharp pain or burning durin urination; inability to fully empty bladder; possible blood in urine; soreness in lower abdomen, back, or sides. Also, a UTI usually gets worse and worse–usually in the space of a couple weeks–so if this is something you’ve had for a long time, I doubt it’s a UTI. And same goes with a kidney infeciton.

http://www.medicinenet.com/urine_infection/article.htm

QUESTION:
General medical questions thanks for the help?
In which diseases can we expect the elevation of the serum total bilirubin level?
Malnutrition & malabsorption
Instrinsic renal lesions
Hepatitis b- think its this one
Vitamin d deficiency
Nephritic syndrome

Clubbing of the fingers can be a sign of?
Cystic fibrosis
Kidney failure-maybe this one
Tuberculosis- wrong answer
Liver failure
Sleen enlargement

Second heart sound is produced by ?
Closure of the pulmonic and mitral valve
Closure of the aortic and mitral valve
Closure of the aortic and tricuspid valve
Closure of the pulmonic and tricuspid valve
Closure of the aortic and pulmonic valve- think its this one

Which of the diseases listed below is not a potential cause of dry, hacking cough?
Allergies
Viral infections
Intersticial lung disease
Tuberculosis
tumor

Which group of lymp-nodes located on the head or neck drainage the lymph from the abdomen?
Supra-clavicular
Sub-mandibular
Anterior-cervical
Sub-mental
Posterior cervical

First sound is produced by?
Closure of the pulmonic and mitral valves
Closure of the pulmonic and tricuspid valves
Closure of the venous valves
Closure of the aortic and mitral valves
Closure of the mitral and tripcuspid valves

Which of the sentences about macrocytic anemia, mentioned below, are true?
The mcv(mean corpuscular volume) is decreased
The level of hemoglobin is increased
The common cause is iron deficiency
The common cause is b1 deficiency
The common cause is foliate deficiency

Chronic suppurative otitis media should be recognized if the drainage from the ear (otorrhea) persists for at least:
1 month
3 days
3 weeks
6 weeks
1 week

Which laboratory results should be considered as an indicator of the acute bacterial infections of the respiratory tract?
Wbc: 5.0X10^9/L
Esr: 15mm/hr
Esr: 36mm/hr
pO2: 95mmHg
CRP: 3 mg/L

Make a false sentence about cough typical for vital infections of respiratory tract:
It usally last 7-10 days
A non-productive period is often followed by a productive cough, with production of yellowish sputum
In some patients it can lead to subacute cough
Loud cough, non-productive or producing small amounts of sputum
It is often aggravating at night

Which from the following accessory investigations is not the imaging study:
Electrocardiography
Radiography
Ultrasonography
Magnetic resonance
Tomography

Which of the sentences about the evaluation of the patients reflexes, mentioned below are true?
When damage occurs the upper motor neurons (cortical and spinal cord injuries) the reflex arc is interrupted
During the evaluation of reflex, grade 4+ of the knee jerk means that this reflex is not present
When testing the patient’s reflexes you don’t have to remember that reflexes can be influenced by age, metabolic factors or electrolyte abnormalities
When damage occurs to lower motor neurons (the peripheral nerve or dorsal roots) the spinal reflex arc in uninhibited
When damage occurs to lower motor neurons (the peripheral nerve or dorsal roots)the reflexes are decreased

Associated with dyspnea:
Pulmonary hypertension
Mitral stenosis
All of them can be associated with dyspnea
Pulmonary embolism
Anxiety

ANSWER:
1) Hep B
2) Cystic fibrosis
3) Aortic and pulmonary
4) I’d go with tuberculosis, because it would usually be a cough productive of sputum
5) Supraclavicular
6) Scalenes
7) Mitral and tricuspid
8) Folate deficiency
9) 6 weeks
10) Abdominals and intercostals (so I’m not sure which you should put down – maybe abdominals?)
11) None of them really tell you that, but ESR of 36 is the only unusual one there. Although a PaO2 of 95 could occur as well.
12) They are all true
13) Electrocardiograpy
14) The last one is true
15) All of them

QUESTION:
NEED PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE FROM A DOCTOR ….. ” CT ABDOMEN AND PELVIS. CLINICAL INFO. ” HELPPP!?
Can anyone interpret this? Is it serious? What to do next?
My girlfriends not well. Need help. Many docs are recommending various stuff. Please Suggest ideas.

…………………………………………………………………………………..

CT ABDOMEN AND PELVIS.

CLINICAL INFO.

Abdominal pain and fever.

CT scan of abdomen performed after administration of oral contrast with IV contrast administration.

Ther is short segment of terminal ilium close to ilio caecal junction showing concentric wall thickening. Streekiness of mesenteric fat is seen. Multiple well defined lymph nodes are seen in the mesentery with diameter upto 1.1cm. Minimal free fluid is seen in pelvis. No intra abdominal masses. Liver , spleen, adrenals pancreas and kidneys are unremarkable. Note is made of cystic ovaries on both sides(functional cysts).Uterine cavity shows fluid density.No focal myometrial lesions in the uterus. No gross lytic or sclerotic lesions in the bones.

OPINION.

Short segment concentric thickening of terminal ilium close tothe junction associated with minimal free fluid in the pelvis and mesenteric lymphadenopathy. Consider the possibility of inflammatory pathology/tuberculosis.Crhon’s disease is differential diagnosis.Suggest correlation with biopsy.

………………………………………………………………………………………

ANSWER:
I am not a doctor but from what I am reading looks like your friend could have someting wrong with their colon, some sort of inflammation in the colon they mentioned crohns disease, which is controlled with medication and diet. They also want to do further testing to confirm it. Hang in there ..

QUESTION:
How can I stay healthy while having 3 diseases?
I just got my results from my CT scan a few days ago. I have cystic fibrosis in my left ovary, which explains why I’ve never had menstrual pain on my left side. I might have to have surgery on it.
I also found out I have Crohn’s disease, a disease of the GI tract.
I just found out, despite 19 years of scans, MRI’s and so on, that I was born with only 1 kidney.
I’ve known for a few years that I have Hyperthyroid disease.
How can I stay healthy with all of this??
Thanks versantly for catching my goof. It’s polycystic ovary syndrome

ANSWER:
cystic fibrosis is only in the lungs -you can mark that “disease” off your list. hyperthyroid is treated with meds -easy to fix. Chron’s is the hardest. learn all you can, meet with a nutritionist, read food labels at least 3 times before you eat the food, and get counseling. you can deal with this, but it’s important to educate you family & friends.

QUESTION:
I have NO MONEY, NO CREDIT, and we are almost out of toilet paper AND other stuff…HELP! WHAT DO WE DO?!?!?!?
0I live with my mom, and I have been sick and disabled for five years or so. I got sick when I was 17, a senior in high school, and I had to quit my job and I had to enroll in my school’s “home-bound” program to be able to graduate. (A teacher comes to your home and teaches you there, like a tutor, but free as it is a public school system program. You are allowed to graduate with your peers at the school’s regular graduation) My mom has her own health problems. However she works full-time at the school’s administration building. But she does not make enough money to support us with the expense of all our bills AND my medical bills AND her medical bills. And I have so ma.y health problems the doctor’s can’t even tell me what’s going on with my body to cause so many diagnoses and then STILL have unexplained problems!!!!!! I have, for sure, gastroperesis, IGG3, anemia, osteoporosis, cystic ovarian syndrome, Chron’s, IBS, Fibromyalgia, acid reflux disease, and my personal favorite…the bones in my lower back are rapidly degenerating. Plus all the depression, anxiety, and insomnia caused by all the above. The doctor’s are probably (In my opinion …) missing the cause of all this and they’re really diagnosing my SYMPTOMS that are a part of a LARGER disease or condition. Because I’ve STILL, even with all those diagnoses, have many symptoms that NONE of them explain. Also, WHY would I have SOOOOOOO many different things?!?!?!?! So ANYWAY the POINT of all that was to explain why I can’t work and why I have medical bills SOOOOOOOO HIGH!!!! Now, I have FINALLY been given social security because of all that. And it does help make it easier, but it still falls quite short! And I applied for food stamps, but because of my age (21) I had to apply for food stamps with my mom’s income, and they consider her an hour job to be MAKING TOO MUCH, so we were denied! So, anyways this month has been even worse than normal financially because I had to be hospitalized twice and my mom got a kidney stone and had to have tests done and my phone broke (our ONLY phone), so now we have nothing and are both overdrawn in our bank accounts to the limit, we are out of food, we are out of toilet papers and other toiletries. We have nothing of value to sell. We have no family still living who are able or willing to help. My abusive, alcoholic father “hates” me, and left my mom years ago. My sister left with him. And I don’t have Amy friends left much anymore as I’m always to sick to do anything and I actually don’t even remember my.life for two years and I’ve not been a good friend……Can someone please, please, please tell me what to do immediately? !?!?!!?!!?!,

Are you worrying that your cat has a urinary or kidney problem? After you finish this article you’ll understand what tests are run for cats in kidney failure. The key to lengthening your cat’s life is to contact your vet as soon as possible to have a a series of diagnostic tests run. Your veterinarian will perform blood and urine tests to check for key symptoms for a cat experiencing chronic kidney failure.

Its important to understand some of the vocabulary used to convey the state of the condition for cats in kidney failure. Acute kidney (or renal) failure in your cat is characterized by complete organ failure where the kidneys stop working altogether. Usually, acute renal failure occurs quite suddenly and can affect both young and old cats.This type of kidney disease is almost always fatal but if treated immediately and aggressively, the kidneys may regain normal functions and your cat may live a normal lifespan.

Chronic kidney failure is the more common disease. This type of kidney disease is usually experienced by aging cats when many of their major organs have diminished function. Unfortunately, by the time you notice the symptoms for cats in kidney failure, about 70% of your cat’s kidney functions are already compromised. This is a progressive disease and will eventually result in the death of your cat. However, early diagnosis and aggressive management can keep your cat in comfort and relative good health for months, if not years.

Since cats with a kidney problem typically have small, shriveled kidneys, your vet will palpitate the area and may take x-rays or an ultrasound. The most dependable diagnosis comes from the blood and urine tests taken from your cat.

Blood Tests

A blood test evaluates the BUN level of your cat’s blood. No, this isn’t a level of yeast but BUN stands for the Blood Urea Nitrogen level which is a chemical that the liver makes from ammonia. After production, BUN is excreted into the kidneys, which increases in some diseases especially for cats in kidney failure. The test also is a marker for dehydration in your cat or even a urethral obstruction like bladder stones.

Blood tests also show the level of creatinine in your cat’s blood. Creatinine is the breakdown product of muscle and normally is excreted by the kidneys. If your cat’s creatinine level is abnormally high it helps confirm that your cat’s elevated BUN level was caused by kidney failure.

Urine Tests

When evaluating your cat’s urine, the veterinarian will check for signs of infection, the concentration, and any losses of proteins. When a healthy cat is dehydrated the proteins show at a concentrated level. For cats in kidney failure, this protein concentration is not there which is key to determining if your cat’s kidneys are functioning properly or not.

my work place requires it as part of the yearly physical exam however my PCP does not agree.

[do any of you'll think that my PCP should not have a problem with prescribing it? coz i dont know what the big deal is...it is routinely ordered as part of a blood work-up for a medical exam or yearly physical exam...plus it sux that my insurance wont cover it then ]

anyways i was thinking of ordering it though www.privatemdlabs.com

I was wondering if anyone has used their service, as I wanted some general customer service feedback.

Thanks
or can you please suggest any other place similar to privatemdlabs.com ?

ANSWER:
If your job requires that this test be performed then, what is the problem with your Doc?? Tell him/her that is mandated by your job and that should cover the cost.He/she doesn’t have to agree with your company policy but, if that is what is required ( the blood test) then so be it !! If worse comes to worse, bring in a note from your employer stating that it is their policy…..etc. This should do the trick.

QUESTION:
Can someone tell me what this means for my mother’s kidney test?
Her creatinine level is 1.51
Her BUN is 29
Her Bun/Creatinine ratio is 19
Also, if this does indicate kidney disease, how far along is she.

I don’t know everything the doctor told her because I haven’t talked to her a lot about it yet.

Thank You
I am asking because she is 67 and is foriegn born. She speaks english well but needs help understanding medical talk.

ANSWER:
here are some websites you can read about creatinine and BUN:

http://www.medicinenet.com/creatinine_blood_test/article.htm

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3689/is_200005/ai_n8880048

it looks like her number are slightly out of range.

QUESTION:
The normal range for a BUN test is 7.9-20.2. Mine was 22.1 is this bad and does it mean kidney failure?

ANSWER:
dehydration

QUESTION:
is it fair to assume that Hydrochlorothiazide 25mg is 10x more in dosage terms than Bendroflumethiazide 2.5mg?
can a ten fold increase in diuretic use result in raised albumin and BUN levels during testing for kidney function. I am a type 1 diabetic and i know that diabetes can cause increased levels but want to exclude the accide ntal over use of this diuretic as a seperate cause as my protein level has increase from 57mg to 314mg in less than 1 year, during this time i have accidentally been taking 25mg of HTZ rather than 2.5mg Bendroflurerthiazide. Can the protein level be reversed if caused purely by over use of diuretics

ANSWER:
I have a friend who might be able to answer that. Please wait.

QUESTION:
with regards to human kidneys, what does the BUN reference stand for?
blood test report

ANSWER:
Blood Urea Nitrogen

You can read about what might cause high or low BUN levels here:

http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/bun/test.html

QUESTION:
Need some insight on kidney test results for my dog…?
I’m prettty technical when it comes to medical issues with dogs, but I would like for someone with this expertise to help me understand some test results.

One year ago, prior to a sugery, we did a blood panel on my dog for anestesia purposes…it came back with the following:

BUN 34
Creatinine 1.8

The doctor was not concerned – he administered IV fluids for the procedure to be on the safe side, but said it may have been elevated to the stress of being at the vet hospital.

This week I had a complete blood panel done on her because she seemed depressed and not feeling well at all…everything was great, but the kidney function came back with the following:

BUN 31
Creatintine 2.2

NOW – here is where I just want to kick myself…and believe me I’ve been very upset about this all day…Recently my fridge broke and to salvage all of the fish, pork tenderloin, etc…I fed it to the dogs..Pure protein and tons of it…

THEN…I changed their food at the same time to a food that is awesome (Orijen), but the protein is almost 37 in the type I got.

So this is what she was eating for about 2 weeks prior to the blood work (and the freezer stuff).

1) I’m assuming that can have an impact on the creatinine results…I would like some insight on that…

2) Let’s remove the higher protein scenario and just focus on the test results – what do they suggest and how bad are they?

My vets recommendation is to start her on a low protein diet (13% – 16%), do subcutaneous injections once a week (she’ll show me how to do this at home) and start her on Azodyl.

She is a 7 year old Dalmatian.

Thanks for helping me out with this.
Please only serious answers from a credible source/experience…this is a serious situation for us.
This just happened today and I was only able to have a 10 minute phone conversation with my vet about it. I’m just eager to have some additional advice to help me with this information.
Obviously this was a mistake to post this on here…Good Lord..It’s Friday on a holiday weekened..I’m anxious about this..just thought there might be someone who is a vet or tech or something who could shed some light.

As I said on my original post, only reply if you are a credible resource….I don’t care if I don’t get any replies, but you never know….

ANSWER:
The numbers are certainly off. Kidney function does decrease with age but that is a lot of change within a year and she is still fairly young. I would do 2 things. 1 – If at all possible, contact the breeder of the dog. See if there is a history of problems like this in the line and what treatments, if any, have been successful. I am not so sure about BUN/Creatintine but often “normal” numbers for particular breeds/lines can be different than the textbook “normal”.
2 – get a recommendation for another vet and get a second opinion or perhaps ask your vet to refer you to a specialist for at least a second opinion. You didn’t say what type of injections but the rest of the treatment certainly shouldn’t hurt.
Best of luck.

QUESTION:
Protein in the urine… Is this a nephrotic syndrome?
I have trace to 3+ albumin in the urine! The latest lab tests is 3+! I’m bothered with this result so I went to my Nephrologist and have checkup and some laboratoty works. My GFR, blood Crea, abd BUN were normal. Also, my liver and blood chemistry were normal. I was diagnosed to have 3.3mm kidney stone, high cholesterol and hypertension so I’m currently taking meds for that. My latest test say my BP and cholesterol went down and no edema BUT the protein in my urine still at 3+ ! I wonder what causes protein in my urine? Is this a Nephrotic Syndrome? It’s almost 4 years since I knew I had protein in the urine but all blood and kidney tests were ok.

ANSWER:
It’s not nephrotic syndrome. That is when a person has huge amounts of protein in their urine and is much more serious. The nephrologist is the best person to answer your question, since there are many causes for having protein in your urine. One cause is hypertension, so ask if it could be that. Also it is something that can develop in people with diabetes. Or it may be related to the kidney stone. I presume they are planning to remove the stone – they will probably see what happens after that.

QUESTION:
lab work results/kidney BUN/creatinine?
my BUN was 16/creatinine was 0.8. i asked the nurse if that was ok and she said yes. what are some high or “bad” numbers for these two tests?
so then, are my results truly ok?

ANSWER:

QUESTION:
Dog has Kidney Problems?
When I got out of the shower this morning I found that my dog had knocked over my coffee table and chewed up a small bottle of eye drops for contacts. I immediately took him to my vet. They did a CBC w/ profile and a fecal exam. When I picked him up my vet told me he needed to talk to me because they found something on my little boy. On the blood test his BUN level was 30 and they said normal was 7-25. They told me his had kidney problems and sold me Azodyl and K/D pet food. They said I would need to spend a month to give him these pills twice a day everyday for the rest of his life. He is very picky, pill pockets do not work, peanut butter and bread doesn’t work. It takes me about 20 minutes to put it in his mouth and make him sallow one. He holds it in his mouth until I force water in. I hate doing this. Can you determine kidney disease with one test? Should I get a second opinion? Should my vet refund the medicine if he was wrong and didn’t do more test?
I currently feed my dogs Wellness and do not care for Science Diet because it contains Corn Glueten Meal which to my knowledge dogs can not easily digest so how would this help kidney problems when he cant even digest it?
The only test they did were the CBC blood with profile and the fecal exam. I am really upset about it and he was extremly stressed out from the car ride he hates them and he was terrified at the vet. he gets stressed very easily. He has a appointment next Wednesday and I was planning not giving him the medicine so that he is in the same health as when I took him today minus the eye drops in his tummy.

ANSWER:
Did they do a urinalysis at the same time as the bloodwork? A BUN of 30 really isn’t that high, and without urinalysis it’s absolutely worthless to determine kidney function (something as simple as dehydration could have caused that elevation). If a blood profile is all that was run, and your vet is pushing pills and science diet on you, he’s a quack. I would take your dog to another vet, get another opinion, or at least call another vet about it. If they do the tests, and find that the dog didn’t need the meds after all, go back to the vet that prescribed them and ask for a refund.
Now, since I don’t know your dog’s full history, and I can’t put my hands on him for a physical exam, I can’t say that your vet was absolutely wrong. Another opinion is definitely a good idea because a month for a “nutritional supplement” that doesn’t go through FDA testing seems a bit fishy to me.
Good luck with this. I always hope that my colleagues are more honest than this, but you can’t account for them all.

QUESTION:
What does it mean in medical terms if you had horrendous side pain and urinated blood for a while?
But then the pain cleared up, and you had a liver panel and a BUN:Cr test along with some urine tests a few months later, and there were no abnormalities.

Then let’s say you finally went to Thailand last year and had a 3D CAT scan and an abdominal ultrasound and more blood/urine tests, and nothing abnormal was detected?

What could possibly cause a sudden onset of pain in the region of the kidneys, followed by several hours of bloody urine, followed by a spontaneous resolution and no relapses for a period of two years?

ANSWER:
STRAUSSIAN – Your description fits well with the passing of a small kidney stone through the ureter on its way to the bladder and out. Along the passing, the stone probably crumbled into small grains which passed more easily. The blood comes from the sharp edges of the small stone scraping the delicate inside lining of the ureter. Such pain can be very severe and require immediate relief. If anything like that happens again, be sure to strain all your urine through a piece of fine mesh gauze and save (dry) anything that even looks like sand which you would then take to your doctor for a lab analysis of the stone. People who pass such stones tend to have repeat episodes. Often the right set of x-rays will show more calcium carbonate type stones in the pelvis (belly) of the kidney on the side of the pain.

QUESTION:
Why is there no LOW PROTEIN section in Food Store for CKD patients?
I have CKD (chronic kidney disease) and find it difficult to find food items with no or very low protein in grocery stores. Most people are unaware they have CKD untill its too late. A simple blood test, Creatinine and BUN, will indicate CKD if repeatedly elivated. Also, Protein in your urine is a disclosing factor, although extreme exercise can show a trace of protein in your urine.An ultra low protein diet can help delay or avoid dialysis. Nobody seems to know this!!

ANSWER:
There is a low protein section – it’s called fruit and produce. Other wise just read the nutrition labels. If you are not sure how to read the labels or what to do with the information, make an appointment with a dietician.

QUESTION:
Question about Kidney Disease (Please help)?
Hello. I suffer from extreme fatigue and have for a while now. My doc is trying to figure out exactly why. A couple of months ago they did a test on my kidney’s and it came back as urgent. My Creatinine level was high at 1.9, BUN was high at 46, GFR(Cauc) low at 33, and GFR(Black) low at 40. Not only that but my Chloride was high, and my Glucose was low. They sent me in immediately the next day for a redo and everything came back normal so they ignored it.

I have epilepsy and suffer from seizures frequently. Not only am I suffering from severe fatigue, but I have swelling under my eyes and around my fingers. My urine is very dark and foamy. I have pain in my left kidney. Because of the epilepsy I am always confused and disoriented.

I don’t drink water and I know that is a primary concern. I had blood work drawn yesterday at another hospital to get a second opinion and I’m waiting on the results. My question is this: Will drinking a lot of water now affect or reverse anything that may be happening to my kidneys? Also, can your blood work come back as being normal when it’s really not? Both of my seizure meds can cause kidney failure and I’m afraid that once again, it’s not going to be caught in time. It took them 6 years to figure out that I had epilepsy because all my EEG’s came back normal until it was too late.

Please help me. Thank you.

ANSWER:
The main thing that most doctors will use to see your kidney function is your creatinine, yours as you said is 1.9, which is certainly elevated, my was over 12 before they did my transplant but everybody’s body is different. Most doctors will tell you not to challenge the kidneys when they are failing (if your’s are), so drinking more water could cause more damage. My doctors have told me before that there is numerous things that can affect creatinine levels so it can change from day to day, also many doctors disagree as to what is high creatinine. I would defiantly suggest a second opinion. However, you do not need to stress in the meantime, you won’t die from this there is both dialysis and transplants that can fix this, and if it is only your left kidney you can easily live off of 50% kidney function.

QUESTION:
What do I need to eat prior to kidney function testing?
My endocrinologist is concerned about my Co2 level, and recommended I see a nephrologist for testing of renal function. I’ve been online scaring myself senseless learning about Chronic Kidney Disease, indications of which fit many of my previously-idiopathic health symptoms perfectly.

The problem/explanation?

I’m anorexic, and have been off and on for ten years. If, for instance, one test is used to determine protein levels, what does it mean for the test if I haven’t eaten since November?

My bilirubin levels have always been high, as have my mother's- mine have dropped significantly since I've lost weight.

ANSWER:
You really, really need to ask the lab what dietary restrictions are necessary, if any. I don’t remember having any restrictions when I was just getting my kidney functions tested.

While you’re on the phone with the lab, ask them about the urine collection “hats” for women, if you’re female and have problems peeing into a cup. The “hat” is a plastic thingamajiggy that is place over the toilet bowl, and you pee into it instead of the toilet. For those of us who don’t have built in urine aiming devices, they’re much easier to use.

QUESTION:
high BUN level and Creatine levels in my blood test
I had to get a blood test for nursing school. And it came back high in creatine and BUN… but i don’t think i have any kidney problems or diabetes… everything else is normal.. and the doctor didn’t say anything.. should i worry?

ANSWER:
Yes, the high creatinine means that something is going on, there is some kind of kidney damage or dysfunction. When you say you don’t think you have diabetes, were you tested, did your doctor do a workup to determine why your Cr/BUN levels were high? You should also be checked for hypertension. This should be investigated. This may be an acute problem that can be reversed with timely treatment.

QUESTION:
wnant is the side effects?
want is the side effects of dye radiopharmaceutical ?
and dye toxicity injection into the body and want could the damage to be to the kidneys are the body?

ANSWER:
Well, I’m not really sure this is the right forum for the question, but no, I don’t believe the dye could cause renal failure (kidney failure). I have a ten month old daughter who was born with a kidney defect and had to go through a couple of renograms, where dye was used, and she is perfectly fine.

If the above information is for a baby, I can tell you that the creatinine levels are quite high. Creatinine is a chemical waste molecule that your body produces and your a functioning kidney will remove it from your blood. High creatinine levels are an indicator that the kidneys are not functioning. A normal creatinine level for a baby is about 0.2, however, I believe the numbers above are within an acceptable range for an adult.

Also, the blood sugar levels (glucose) seem high. A random blood sugar test should be in the low to mid 100′s, anything over 200 is usually diagnosed as diabetes for adults, and as far as I can tell, you have a blood sugar (glucose) of 223. Diabetes can cause kidney failure.

The rest of the stuff I have no idea about, but I have had some experience with the creatinine and diabetes so I hope this has helped some.

QUESTION:
PLS HELP Blood test show high ast, alt, vitm b12, calicum, bun/creati, neutrophils & sed rate. Low HCT, HGB…?
My child is 5, shes been having repeated blood work done for about 6 months now, b/c some of her levels were turning up high or low for what the range is for her age. After her last blood work her PCP ran on her, he is referring her to a Gastro. Specialist. She will be going on Feb. 2nd. I am looking to see if, can get someone to explain or help me understand her blood work more through. Also, if anyone could tell me what may possible be going on with her. I am not looking for someone to give her a diagnosis. Just for someone to give me some more info on what possible could be going on with my princess. It is so hard for me to just sit here and wait til Feb. to find out more information. How is a mother suppose to do that? Her PCP did tell me that he is referring her to a specialist to see if he wants to do further testing and that her blood work results could be showing something wrong with her kidneys, liver or some kind of cancer. Cancer does run on her fathers side. His mother has had one kind of skin cancer & his grandmother on his fathers side passed away from some kind of skin cancer.
We do not want to ask more info from the family, until we know what is going on with our little girl. We dont want to get anyone worried or upset til we know more info.
I have done some research but still not understand a whole lot of it. I have read that to determine cancers, liver problems and kidney problems that you have to look at several numbers on blood work, not just one certain one.
Below I will list her blood work that say abnormal and see if someone can explain them to me better. Thank you inadvance to anyone that helps me understand what may be going on or what could be going on with my little princess. I will list her results for both her 2 past labs:

Her urine was checked as well, but just on 9/14/09. They only thing that was flagged on that test was Spec. gravity which was 1.015 (considered low)

In the doctors notes: It reads On percussion, there is dullness heard in the left lower quadrant compared to the rest of her abdomen, which is tympanic. The child has halitosis also. WHAT DOES this mean?

Other smpthoms:
Frequent urination
Not feeling like she can always empty bladder & has to go to the bathroom w/in several mins (10-15mins apart)
Several accidents prer day, cant get to the bathroom before she feels the urge to go.
Tires out easily.
Trouble gaining weight
thristy often
feels hungry often but most times cant not eat much, just a few bites, before she is full or loses appetite
Has headaches from time to time
Complains of pain in lower back at times as well as under arm pit.
Complains of abdominal pain everyday.
Acid reflux along with burps that smell like softer.

I know this is a lot, I aplogize. Just trying to provide as much detial as possible, to see if I can get any help understanding what may be going on with my little girl.
You can email me also at littlehandscreatingthefuture@yahoo.com

THANK YOU INADVANCE for any HELP you can provide me with!
Sincerely,
Worried mommy!!

ANSWER:
Dear Worried, JustMe Mom:

This is the 2nd installment of my long detailed answer for your question that is also posted in various sections e,g, Medicine, Diseases, Toddler, Preschooler. Parenting, etc. Pls note that I have included various reference sites.

To view the first installment of this answer for your similar question posted under Other- Disease section; check the site below:

The normal value for BUN is approximately 10-20, and for creatinine 0.7-1.2.

Therefore, her BUN of 13-15 is WNL. However, her Cr of 0.40-0.49 is quite low......abnormally low.

The blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test is a measure of the amount of nitrogen in the blood in the form of urea, and a measurement of renal function. Urea is a substance secreted by the liver, and removed from the blood by the kidneys.

BUN and creatinine are excreted by the kidneys and accumulate in the bloodstream when a person has kidney failure. Therefore, with renal disease, the BUN and creatinine usually both rise together. However, there are some conditions in which one rises more than the other, and some (as in your daughter's case ) where one is normal while the other is low.

Here are some possible explanations:
1) Lab error. A creatinine of 0.4- 0.5 is unusually low. Could it be incorrect? Could the lab have been having a bad day, or did someone miscopy an 0.8 as an 0.5?

2) Dehydration: if you were dehydrated at the time the lab test was done (for example, were having a GI viral illness), the BUN may have increased just due to dehydration (resulting in a high ratio), and should have come back down as soon as you had enough water in your body.

3) Heart failure or liver cirrhosis: both of these conditions can cause a high BUN/creat ratio in the absence of kidney problems.

4) Very high protein diet: a very high protein diet may increase the BUN without affecting creatinine, so that the ratio may become elevated. (Did you eat a giant steak the night before your blood test?)

5) GI bleeding: if there is a bleeding ulcer or bleeding of any type anywhere in the stomach or intestines, the BUN will rise disproportionately from the creatinine.I ncreased production of urea is seen in cases of moderate or heavy bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal(GI) tract (e.g. from ulcers). The

6) Steroids: in people taking high doses of steroid medications such as prednisone, the BUN can be elevated, causing a high calculatedBUN/creatinine ratio.

Enhanced metabolism of proteins will also increase urea production, as may be seen with high protein diets, steroid use, burns, or fevers; or kidney stones.

I'm sure that your doctor will want to repeat this test before doing anything else about it.

Acute renal failure(ARF)
It has been found to be predictive of pre-renal failure, if the BUN-to-creatinine ratio is greater than 20 or the urea-to-creatinine ratio>0.10 and urea>10.

When the ratio of BUN to creatinine (BUN:Cr) is greater than 20, the patient is suspected of having prerenal azotemia. This means that the pathologic process is unlikely to be due to intrinsic kidney damage.

In addition, in children, a BUN/creatinine ratio of 30 or above has a sensitivity of 68.8% for upper GI bleeding and a specificity of 98%.

Elevated BUN with very low creatinine is possibly indicative of early acute renal/kidney failure.

For accuracy of determination of kidney/renal disease or dysfunction; she would need a 24- hr urine collection for creatinine clearance.

A 24-hr urine collection for creatinine clearance is a more accurate diagnostic tool for early renal/ kidney disease.

Sometimes, in more than one instances; the high BUN: Cr ratio is most typically the result of being dehydrated when she had the blood work done.
So most likely insignificant assuming that the creatinine value is normal. In other words when a ‘healthy’ patient has a high BUN and low Cr, it’s typically an indication that you’ve not been drinking enough water. It’s hardly something to worry about.

The problem here coupled with high hepatic panel ( high AST and ALT) There is a need to do another test for alkaline phosphatase. To confirm any abnormality results.

I don’t want to get all too technical with you, but let’s assume she has an elevated Bilirubin level on the Liver Panel, a low alk phos effectively rules out an obstruction of the common bile duct.

So, now it will involve your internist doing some imaging, serology and perhaps additional tests to figure out why there’s a problem with your liver panel.

I think that the ultrasound is a reasonable thing to do. It’ll most likely be normal or may show gallstones (which you shouldn’t worry about if she’s asymptomatic).

If you get the radiologist’s report suspecting and suggesting she might have some “hypoechoic or hypotenuse lesions or hemangiomas, and recommend f/u ( follow-up) with triple phase CT/MRI”. Don’t get freaked out. These are extremely common, benign lesions.

The false positive findings can lead to unecessary anxiety and further testing.

Because multiple variables can interfere with the interpretation of a BUN value, GFR and creatinine clearance are more accurate markers of kidney function. Age, sex, and weight will alter the “normal” range for each individual, including race.

In renal failure or chronic kidney disease (CKD), BUN will only be elevated outside “normal” when more than 60% of kidney cells are no longer functioning. Hence, more accurate measures of renal function are generally preferred to assess the clearance for purposes of medication dosing.

http://www.answers.com/topic/azotemia

Calcium:

All cells need calcium in order to work. Calcium helps build strong bones and teeth. It is important for heart function, and helps with muscle contraction, nerve signaling, and blood clotting.
Drinking too much milk or taking too much vitamin D as a dietary supplement can also increase calcium levels.

Hypercalcemia( high blood Ca) is a disorder that most commonly results from malignancy or primary hyperparathyroidism. Other causes of elevated calcium are less common and usually are not considered until malignancy and parathyroid disease are ruled out.

The pain on her lower back might be due to UTI or kidney problem.( also related to DM- diabetes) Her halitosis( her burps smell of sulfur) can also be attributed to this kidney or GI problems. Hiccoughing( hiccups) in acute renal failure patients is common due to the toxins not adequately eliminated by the malfunctioning kidney.

Breath odor and persistent hiccups are among the symptoms of acute renal failure.

Her abdominal pains and poor appetite might also be attributed to some liver disease or GI problems. Her acid reflux might also be due to GERD ( gastroesophageal reflux disease) and IBS( irritable Bowel Syndrome) Thus the frequent burps. Hope; the doctor will plan to do a liver biopsy and an ultrasound.

If abdominal pain or signs of peritonitis are localized in the left lower quadrant, the suspicion is increased for such conditions as colitis, diverticulitis, ureteral colic or pain due to ovarian cysts or pelvic inflammatory disease.(PID) or splenic disorder ( evidenced by the spleen- dullness upon percussion of the left lower quadrant ( LLQ).

Examples of tumors in the left lower quadrant include colon cancer or ovarian tumor.

Vitamin B12, also called cobalamin, is a water soluble vitamin with a key role in the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system, and for the formation of blood.

Although deficiency is far more common than excess when it comes to vitamin B12 status; cases have been reported where blood levels exceeded 3000 picograms/milliliter. Such high levels may be caused by bacterial overgrowth and a condition called Vit B12 Overload.

Moreover, for her high Vit B12 levels; the gastroenterologist might need to perform a new endoscopy, in order to dismiss or rule out the diagnosis of Crohn’s disease or Celiac disease.

http://www.yourhealthbase.com/vitamin_B12.html#overload

.

QUESTION:
My 7 year old daughter had blood work done today? sugar? BUN?
After the doctor told me the sugar was up a little….(and being worried because she has one kidney due to cancer), I realized she had a few Wint-O-green mints while we waited. I looked it up and four of them has about for 8g and she had three, about an hour before the blood was drawn. Would this be enough to effect the test results?
Also her BUN (blood urea nitrogen) was up about three pionts putting her at 19..normal limit is 18…does anyone know what the scary numbers for a child are?

ANSWER:
BUN of 19 is OK. It can be elevated when the patient is dehydrated. Had she had much to drink before the test was done? And yes, the mints may have made her blood sugar go up a little. How high was it? BUN may have also been higher because of her only having one kidney.

QUESTION:
What do these numbers mean?
My husband and I found out that last year that he has kidney disease and only one functional kidney. We have been monitoring his his kidney function test ( I am the medical assistant for my hubby’s doctor) I drew his blood at home yesterday and brought it into work to send out. His BUN was 28, which it has been much higher before. The number that is bothering me the most is the creatinine which is 1.81. I am really worried and my doc is out today… what does this mean?? What should be the next step? I dont want to let it get out of hand before I take action… I am scared and want to get some opinions on what we should be doing… thanks for any suggestions.

QUESTION:
How much water should a dog drink a day?
Is there a formula of sorts? Our dog was in for a dental cleaning a week ago and the pre-anesthetic blood panel showed a slightly elevated BUN level and a high creatinine (2.5). The vet asked if he was showing signs of kidney failure (excessive water intake, lack of appetitie, lethargic, accidents in the house). He’s shown none of these signs. He actually doesn’t seem to drink enough. Urine test showed bacteria-so he’s currently on an antibiotic, but the bacteria culture came back “no growth” – so she said it must not have been a significant infection. He also had low urine concentration. He goes back at the end of this week for another urine test. Since then we bought bottled water-thinking our softened well water might not be good for stressed kidneys. I’ve been measuring and he only drinks about 2.5 cups of water a day, even though he has an endless supply. That doesn’t seem like enough. He’s 95 pounds, 8 years old, Chesapeake Bay Retriever. Will ask the vet this week of course.

ANSWER:
I think bottled water is a good idea. I agree that for a 95 pound dog that 2.5 cups sounds low. Maybe try putting icecubes in the water…not to make it cold, but to make it more interesting to him. It may help.

QUESTION:
foamy urine while peeing standing up, no foam when sitting down?
When I pee my urine is very foamy and does not disappear for a few minutes. I went online and seen that it can be a sign of proteniria, which protein in the urine. This could be a sign of kidney problems. I went to doc, he ordered all sorts of test like: microalbumin with creatine, microalbumin/creatine ratio, bun, creatine, many protein blood test, cbc, liver, and kidney blood work. All came back perfectly normal. I even made an appointment to neurpologist and he pretty much just laughed me out the door. My gp told me to drink more water and not to worry about it.

What’s weird is when I aim for side of the toilet or sit down and pee, no bubbles of foam. Could it just be the velocity? I am a healthy 26, no history of family diseases or cancer.

ANSWER:
Common sense tells me it’s only a gravity problem. You stand up and it hits harder in the water causing foam. Silly to have all that testing done over nothing, but at least you know you are healthy. I would have liked to seen the look on the doctors face when you complained about that one.

QUESTION:
took our dog to the vet,he suddenly could barley walk &had bloodshot,droopy eyes.Could be Addisons or kidneys?
we took rocky a 3yr old dog to the vets he had weakness,elevated kidney values, elevated potassium, decreased sodium/chloride, elevated muscle enzymes. They gave him injections of IM/SQ/IP , antibiotics & IV fluid therapy.We picked him up 3 days later & he was better, but they dont know what was wrong. It cost ,025. they said it could be Addisons,but that test is another 0. The vet said it could be kidney diease, but they dont know. i have wiped out my checking & savings & they want more $$ for more test (i dont have it) & WE STILL DONT KNOW, WHAT , WHY, OR IF IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN!!!!Does any one have any ideas?He had highlevels of AST(SGOT),CK TOXO,MYOSITIS,NEOSPORN,AMYLASE,BUN,CREATININE,PHOSPHORUS,POTASSIUM,B/C RATIO,MCHC,ANION GAP,LYMPHOCYTES… Low levels of CHOLESTEROL,TCO2(BICARBONATE,CHLORIDE,SODIUM,NA/K RATIO,NEUTROPHIL SEG… I dont know what the blood test was when he was brought in ,(I just know he was near death). This is the results when we picked him up!!!

ANSWER:
Addisons DOES frequently come on very fast – people have started out on a walk with a dog they thought very heatlhy and had it fall down half way due to addisons. Typically the IV fluids produce a temporary near Lazarus like recovery but he WILL crash again if it is Addison’s. The blood test for Addison’s is unfortunately expensive – some vets will allow the “duck” test (if the treatment works they must have Addison’s) but many will not. Now the bad news the vet may give you a rather high cost for treatment – HOWEVER the use of compounded meds can bring that cost to around a month. Check out these websites
www.k9addisons.com
www.Addisondogs.com
Both of these are home pages of support lists for addison dog owners. READ all that info and you will know more about addisons disease than some vets. I can testify the support lists are a GODSEND – with referrals to Addisons savvy vets, low meds sources, advice on life with an Addison’s dog and understanding shoulders to cry on when things get rough….
Member have not just family pets, but competing agility dogs (to the national tournament level), working service dogs. working search & rescue dogs, field trial dogs – Once treated properly an AD dog can do nearly anything another dog can do – including living to be very old.

QUESTION:
Child has recurring blood work done, showing AST, ALT, SED RATE & BUN/CREAT RATIO high? What could this mean?
My 5 yr. old daughter has been going to a lot of test lately, to try to find out what is going on with her. Her first blood test she had done showed high AST, ALT, SED RATE & BUN/CREAT RATIO. (They were all high) The blood work was repeated 4 months later and all of them have gone up higher, some of them much higher, some of them just a little. She is now being referred to a Gasterneologist (sp?) to have further testing done. However, she cant get in til March. Her PCP said… it could mean several things, anything from her liver, kidneys or some type of cancer. Can anyone please tell me if they have blood work done that came out with all of these being high and what it was or what you were dignioused with. I dont understand how I am suppose to wait til March for my daughter to have further testing done. Is there anywhere else I can go to have her blood results interrepted and explained to me more through. Her AST is 55, ALT is 32, BUN/CREAT is 40.1 and her SED RATE is 50.
I am not looking for someone to give me a diagnious for her, over the computer. Just for some support and some information on what others may have been diagnioused with, with blood results like this.
Thank you advance to anyone that response to this. I appreciate it!!

ANSWER:
The bottom line is that blood tests can only tell you so much. It sounds like she had a basic blood panel done. The AST and ALT are liver enzymes. If they are high her liver is not functioning properly. The sedementation rate, bun, and creatinine are measures of kidney function and indicate her kidneys also are not functioning properly. She will probably need to undergo further tests or procedures or more extensive bloodwork to figure out what the specific problem is. Until then I would make sure you try your best not to tax her kidneys or liver (like don’t give her any drugs unless she absolutely needs them) and look for another specialist you can go to. There’s got to be more than one that is covered under your insurance. You don’t have to go to the specialist your PCP referred you to, there are thousands of gastroenterologists out there, but sometimes PCPs refer to a particular one because they have a good relationship with them, but you’re not locked into that particular gastroenterologist. Contact your insurance and get a list of all the GI specialists within driving distance and then call them all, make the earliest apt, and put your name on the cancellation waiting list.

QUESTION:
Are My Kidneys Failing?
I went for an annual physical and my doctor told me there was a slight decrease in kidney function since my last physical. I guess the pertinent numbers are: BUN = 16, Creatinine = 1.5. I went in 6 weeks later and it was: BUN = 16, and Creatinine = 1.38. He said that while it has improved, it’s still not normal and wants me to see a kidney doctor. My appointment is next month.

I mentioned this to a friend who is an advanced diabetic and very experienced with kidney problems. He said the writing is on the wall and it’s just a matter of time before I’m on dialysis or worse. He said the 1.5 Creatinine means my kidneys are only funtioning at 50% capacity. Others I’ve talked to said the numbers don’t appear that far out of line. In the meantime…

I’m freaking out! I’ve never had anything come back abnormal on a blood test before. I might be becoming a hypochondriac over this. Before my physical, I felt fine. Now I’m imagining that my lower back feels swollen and painful, that I’m not urinating right, etc. How worried should I be about this? Is it true that I’m looking at total kidney failure and/or dialysis eventually?

I should probably add that I do a very poor job of hydrating myself. I go all day without drinking any water or liquids, except coffee and a few sips of coke with a meal. Not sure if this could cause a kidney problem, but I’m trying to drink 8 glasses/day now. I’d really appreciate any info. Thanks.

ANSWER:
Ok, calm down. Your diabetic friends is probably very knowledgeable about diabetes and his own kidneys, but he is not a doctor or familiar with your body. First, your second test showed improvement. That’s good news. Also, the doctor didn’t rush you to the emergency room for kidney failure, did he? You said you worry you aren’t urinating right, but you also said you are trying to drink more. This means you have changed your fluid intake so your “output” so to speak will also change. I’m sure you know how harmful stress is to the human body. If you are freaking out about this, you are only hurting yourself… and you don’t even know if anything is really wrong. Wait until you see the specialist. Try to relax and not stress so much that your body starts freaking out too. Things are rarely as bad as we think they are. And if something is really wrong, then good for you for catching it now. Also, what kind of “friend” tells you that you have kidney failure before you even see the specialist??? Try to surround yourself with more hopeful people.

QUESTION:
I need help understanding/interpreting feline blood test results. No guessing please.?
I took my 13 yr old cat to the vet last week because she is having labored breathing. She seems fine, not distressed, eating fine but her breathing sounds bad and her sides retract each time she breathes. She was breathing very quick shallow breaths. The vet said it was asthma but wanted to do xrays and blood tests to be sure. Her blood test results were as follows:

Her vet said she has CRF/kidney disease and told me to start her on Hill's Prescription Diet or if she wouldn't eat that (said a lot of cats won't) a recipe she gave me that consisted of liver, calcium carbonate, eggs and vegetable oil immediately. She said based on her creatinine levels my cat was in the 3rd of 4 stages and her kidneys would fail quickly if I continued with her current diet. She made it clear that I needed to start feeding her the new diet immediately. My cat won't eat it, any of it. She's always been a very picky eater. I went back and asked for a can of the prescription food, the vet tech sold me a can of a/d critical care formula, she ate this. I went back to get more and the vet said it was not good for her kidneys :^/ That she has to eat the k/d formula. I bought this and she won't touch it. I even tried adding tuna juice and she won't touch it.

While researching what else she can eat, I noticed that her blood test results don't seem to be consistent with CRF test results. ie: her BUN is low/normal not high, HCT is normal, PHOS is normal

I am wondering if anyone that knows veterinary medicine can answer this for me. I'm extremely concerned because she was eating fine before the diet change even with the labored breathing, now she won't eat any of the k/d foods and not more than a bite or two of anything else. The vet says if she won't eat the kidney diet to add water and force feed it to her from a squeeze bottle. This seems counterproductive (and painful for me, she doesn't like being force-anything) if she isn't in kidney failure. If she is, then I would really appreciate suggestions on alternatives to the aforementioned k/d food (tried can and dry) and the k/d liver recipe that she won't eat.

She has had antibiotic and steroid shots for the lung infection. Plus the vet prescribed liquid antibiotics and probiotic paste to take home. My cat would let me give her the antibiotics to begin with because she didn't have much "fight" in her. Now she has it back and is fighting me when I give her the antibiotic. She won't touch the probiotic or any food that I put it in, even tuna (the bribe food/her fave). I've also been putting her in a crate and giving her albuterol nebulizer treatments followed by percussions. Her breathing is better than it was. But her respirations while laying down/resting are 55-60 breaths per minute.
Vet did xrays because she felt "lumps" in her hind legs. Turned out to be nothing. The xrays did show "something" in her lungs (two hazy spots, one at the top edge of right lung and one on the towards the edge of the left lung) but the doctor said with her age she doesn't recommend surgery to find out if it is something "bad" or not. Just do antibiotics/nebs/percussions
JC: Thank you so much for your reply. I appreciate you taking the time to read my entire question and to give an informed answer. She is family. I've had her since she was a tiny kitten and she means the world to me. My gut told me that something wasn't right with her diagnosis. Especially when she was looking at the xrays. She went up to the light board and stared at it, then moved really close and stared again for a bit and then said "there's something here..and here" pointing at the very light hazy spots but didn't tell me what that meant until I asked for more information. So, no, she did not send them to a radiologist. I had taken her in because of the breathing and she also had a hard spot under one of her nipples. We got a dog last year, so for the past year she doesn't live in my lap like she always has. Needless to say, when I was holding her, I felt the "tough" spot on her tummy/under the nipple. The vet seemed somewhat unconcerned about the spot but said from feeling it that
unconcerned about the spot but said from feeling it that it was a "mammary tumor" which seems like something to be concerned about. She said if it gets any bigger to bring her back, but that was that. Velvet has always been a very healthy fiesty girl (she's a Russian Blue) but in the last couple of years she developed a small lump over her front right shoulder, it looks/feels like fluid filled skin, I was told by everyone this is nothing to be concerned about especially since it doesn't hurt her in the least to touch it, press it, etc. The vet said it wasn't anything to worry about either, just due to her getting older. She did say that because of the lumps in her legs and the hard spot in her tummy we should do xrays to make sure it wasn't a tumor in her lungs causing the breathing problems. I asked about the legs, because she didn't even mention them when reviewing the xray. She said "it's nothing, if it was, I would have told you".

I was terrified when I went in. She seems to have

ANSWER:
Time to find a new vet.

Those aren’t the kidney numbers of a CRF cat. A better predictor of kidney health is to test the specific gravity of the urine – if it’s concentrated, the kidneys are functioning properly, if it’s too dilute, they are starting to age. The reduced kidney function is one of aging, and not a disease. A cat’s body craves and needs protein – that is why she is instinctively rejecting the K/D. Very few vets will prescribe a low-protein diet for cats with aging kidneys – they 1) won’t eat it 2) it leads to muscle wasting (the body needs to get protein from somewhere!) and 3) it hasn’t been proven that low-protein slows down the progression of the CRF. What she needs is to eat – a high quality canned food free of by-products and chemical preservatives. That’s what my vet recommends, based on the latest research. The by-products are hard to digest, and the chemicals are tough on the kidneys. Good canned foods will keep her better hydrated, and slow down the aging of the kidneys.

Did the vet send the xrays out for a ‘real’ radiologist to interpret? Cats with asthma – untreated – can get hard spots in their lungs, and those will show up on xrays. It takes a real radiologist to interpret an xray – the answer is NOT surgery to find out what it is, it’s to have a qualified person read and interpret the xray. Personal story – my rescue rex was coughing prior to his coming to me, and was taken to the vet who did a chest xray, and diagnosed severe hear disease and wanted to do ultrasounds, etc. I insisted that the xrays were to be sent to a radiologist – diagnosis was asthma. Quite a bit different than the vet’s diagnosis of an aorta ready to self destruct.

CRF is not a death sentence. And yours isn’t there yet. Feeding her a food she can’t stand is counterproductive, and can lead to liver failure when she refuses to eat. Find another vet, and feed her a quality canned food so that the poor thing eats! At 13 – with that pretty good bloodwork – she should have some good quality years left to spend with you.

QUESTION:
I’m 25/ type1 diabetic(for 17yrs)/f/ 2 yrs ago BUN/CREAT ratio was 19.7, what does it mean? No new blood work ?
I am tired all the time, despite being on 300 mg Wellbutrin XL, 40 mg Adderall XR. I have not had any labs work done in two years (I know that is not good, so i just switched to a new doctor) No one ever told me that my blood work showed any abnormalities, I just found this info out by reviewing my medical records. I am very worried about my kidney function. My A1C has been between 8 and 9 for about 10 years, and i have no know complications from this yet. Also, my Creat levels were normal (0.7) and my BUN levels were normal (13.8) on this blood test. I had the lab done at a teaching hospital, could they have made an error in computing my bun/creat ratio?

ANSWER:
Hi,

I wouldn’t be overly concerned with the ratio. Your BUN/Creat are within normal limits and so is the ratio (13.8 / 0.7 = 19.7). Since you are diabetic and your A1Cs have been so high I would definitely recommend getting labs done, which can effect you kidneys.

Hope this is a simple explanation and hope it helps. But definitely have your new MD do labs.

NS
Clinical Lab Scientist

QUESTION:
What dietary options do I have for my dog with kidney disease?
My 11 year old neutered male sheltie is beginning to show signs of kidney disease. His BUN levels were last recorded at 29 and 34 for his last two blood tests, which my vet says is an indication of a very slow progression into stage 1 kidney disease. My vet wants me to put him on Science Diet k/d, but I don’t believe in low quality bulk processed food like that. I don’t feed my dog corn, by-products, and prefer not to feed him any grains as well as any other fillers or plant proteins.
I’ve read that plant proteins are harder on the kidneys than animal proteins and animal proteins are okay is early stages of kidney disease but my vet is adamant about a low protein, low salt, low phosphorus prescription diet. While I agree with the low salt and phosphorus, I’m not sold on the low protein and the prescription garbage.
My dog currently eats EVO Red Meat Small Bites, Blue Buffalo Wilderness Duck and Solid Gold Barking at the Moon rotations. I’m pretty sure I have to lower his protein, which I’m okay with.
However, I was wondering what kind of food (wet and dry food) is recommended for kidney problems for people who are seeking a more holistic diet for their pets? Any information is helpful. I can’t find a pet nutritionist in my area, so this is so difficult.

PS I’ve been looking at Wellness Super5Mix Senior as a candidate with canned Innova Senior… That’s the best combination I’ve found, but any and all genuine thoughts and experiences is welcome.
I’ve been looking at a holistic vet, and yes the cause of my dog’s problems is probably his food, but from before I became better informed. I used to feed him until he was around 6 or 7 Kibbles n Bits and Moist and Meaty, and I believe the plant proteins and fillers have taken their toll on him.
Please refrain from blaming me for the issue; I already have blamed myself.
PS Can you explain why you feel Science Diet is a better food than what I have been feeding him and why my food choices are junk? I’m open to opinions, as long as they have been researched outside of the brand’s lab.
Cookie-
Thanks for the info! The link didn’t work for me but I’m checking out the website. I threw this question up here to get some ideas… This won’t be the definitive answer here… I’m going to check out that group. I’ve already joined.
What did you feed your dog? I’m taking a pass on the Science Diet, I’d just love to hear exactly why Science Diet is superior to holistic diets according to Bonnie…
walking lady- I’m going to check your link out as well. That’s an interesing idea with the high protein.
CJ Rossi, I just don’t believe that the SD is even a medium quality food. I don’t believe there’s enough protein to effectively keep a dog in his peak health. Further, I don’t know if the protein is plant or animal based, and the research I have done says that plant based protein actually makes the kidneys work harder. It will be a harder sale for me to switch to Science Diet. If I could find a medium quality, I would consider it, but I’m just not seeing it right now.
I don’t think Science Diet is formulating a proper diet for a dog with kidney problems in mind. I think that Science Diet created a food decades ago based on the information they had then, and have become such a presence in vet’s offices that they no longer feel the need to do research.
I realize your cats have been living for three years on k/d but I’ve also talked to a gentleman who continues to feed his Blue Buffalo to his dog five years after being diagnosed with kidney problems with no health issues.
I don’t find a specific instance of the longevity of an animal to be enough proof for me.
I feel like feeding my dog chicken beaks and feathers and corn (aka SD k/d) with a low protein prolongs his life with kidney disease just to shorten it with a protein and nutrient deficiency.
I don’t feed my dog high quality food simply because it is considered high quality. I feed it to him beacause I believe it is what is best for him. I don’t feel Science Diet ever will be.
Thanks Cookie for the info on your diet. I have been trying to locate a nutritionist to formulate something for my dog as well. That’s the only reason why I am looking for a holistic vet… well, that and I’m interested in testing my dog before over vaccinating, but that’s a whole nother discussion. ) Anyway, I love my traditional vet, but I was told that to find a nutritionist, the easiest path to take is to seek a holistic vet first and they would know where to go from there… not so much I’m interested in the herbal aspect of it.

ANSWER:
I am sorry about your dog’s illness. I am not a veterinarian, so can’t advise you on food choices, my suggestion would be to find a holistic vet. Vets that promote Science Diet are usually selling the food and making profit on their recommendations, which could be why your vet is so adamant on you feeding that food.

If you find a Holistic Vet, there is no way he/she would recommend Science Diet (junk food). This vet could advise and supervise healthy food choices and how your dog progresses.

QUESTION:
Protein and blood in my urine, anybody else?
I have had a 3+ protein in my urine along with a trace amount of blood for several months now. They ran a blood test on me and my (BUN)Blood Uri nitrogen level is elevated and so is my creatinine level. At first they wanted me to go see a urologist to get a cystoscopy to look inside my bladder but not since the recent blood test of my BUN they want to send me to a doctor that only specializes in the kidneys. I was wondering if anyone out here has had the same experience as what is going on with me and if so what have they done for you and was it scary or painful? Please only serious answers back, I need real answers! Please help ease my mind, if you can.

ANSWER:
How old are you? Have you had any infections within the past year that went untreated? Do you have any symptoms such as pain upon urination? Can you tell us a bit more?

QUESTION:
can you have withdrawals from Tylenol PM such as fatigue?
I was taking Tylenol PM for about a year, I never experienced any serious side affects from it and never noticed any physical changes either. However, once I graduated high school i quit taking it because i no longer needed to fall asleep at a certain time every night, or wake up at a reasonable time for school. I noticed that maybe a week after no longer taking it, I was very fatigued. That was around the end of June. i STILL feel the fatigue feeling. I just feel not all there, kind of like not having enough sleep when in fact i sleep more than the recommended 8 hours. Ive described it as feeling “foggy” kind of in a daze, i went to the neurologist and he gave me Lunesta, didn’t work. I’ve had blood tests, no anemia, no mono, everything was normal. The only thing that was a bit high was my Kidney BUN count. But the doctor didn’t seem to think that was the problem. I’m not sure whats going on but its extremely ANNOYING. i absolutely hate this feeling. If anyone can help that would be great.

Also, when i ran out of Tylenol PM I was forced to take Motrin PM. I read the label and it said do not take for more than 10 days. Totally took it longer than that, maybe a few weeks. could that contribute to the fatigue as well?

ANSWER:
I don’t really know, but personally I dont think the effects would last QUITE that long. I use tylenol pm quite a bit myself and I feel fatigue after I stop taking it for only a day or two.

QUESTION:
Are you knowledgeable in Anatomy, Medicine, or Diseases? If so PLEASE help with CASE STUDY.?
I’M IN THE PROCESS OF DOING A CASE STUDY FOR MY A&P CLASS. THE CASE STUDY READS AS FOLLOWS:

Doctor, Your patient is Alex J, a 45-year-old male from the Midwest. It is February. He has the following symptoms: weakness, fatigue, hypotension, weight loss, dehydration, and decreased cold tolerance. He has also noticed an increased pigmentation (tanning) of both exposed and nonexposed portions of the body and back. The doctor performed a plasma cortisol determination test.
His blood chemistry values follow:
Serum sodium 128 mEq/Lv
Serum potassium 6.3 mEq/L
Fasting blood glucose 65 mg/dL
BUN 4.5 mg/dL
Serum creatinine 0.5 mg/dL

Hematology tests resulted in the following values:
Hematocrit 50%
Leukocytes 5000/cu mm
A plasma cortisol determination indicated a low cortisol level. Following administration of ACTH, plasma cortisol did not rise significantly after sixty and ninety minutes. Endogenous circulating levels of ACTH were later determined to be significantly elevated.

1. What endocrine organ is the site of the malfunction?
2. What is the name of this disorder? Use all available information to support your diagnosis.
3. Discuss the electrolyte disturbances resulting from this disorder. elaborate
4. Discuss the metabolic disturbances resulting from this disorder. elaborate
5. What is the cause of the tanning?

-WHAT I’VE CAME UP WITH SO FAR IS:

1) Adrenal Gland
2) Addison’s Disease
3) The sodium is low, and the potassium is high because of the lack of aldosterone to control the levels in the kidneys. The low BUN makes no sense for Addison’s though…Not sure if that is a typo. BUN should be high, not low if it is Addison’s
4) Oh there is a lot here. Since the hypothalamus is not being turned off by cortisol, it makes an abundance of CRH which lowers blood sugar, and induces stress. There is also low blood pressure because of the lack of angiotensin. So basically the glucocorticoids responsible for deactivating the hypothalamus and pituitary are not present, so both organs produce hormones without negative feedback.
5) Decreased glucocorticoid levels will cause the pituitary to release a lot of ACTH. ACTH is turned into MSH which signals the melanocytes to produce melanin, and therefore pigment.
The patient has Addison’s Disease. It is often caused by autoimmune destruction of the adrenal gland.

—IF YOU KNOW YOU’RE STUFF CAN YOU LET ME KNOW IF I’M ON THE RIGHT TRACK, & HELP WITH A BIT MORE INFORMATION THAT I MAY BE MISSING. STILL DOING RESEARCH BUT ALITTLE HELP WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED!

ANSWER:
1 and 2 are right
for 3, the only thing id add is that aldosterone does impact your kidneys filtering ability and you can see a drop in bun with that
4. your talking about two things

a) low blood sugar-which comes from low cortisol production by adrenals leading to fatigue and depression
b)low blood volume- which comes from low aldosterone, which you mentioned

the mnemonic i like to remember this is: the deeper you go the sweeter it gets, think about sex

fyi,name a famous person with addisons? jfk

QUESTION:
What causes low sodium levels? …I have only one kidney…..?
I have high blood pressure but is controlled with Norvasc…
I totally avoid salt….maybe not a good idea?

on 6-30-09 I took blood work and my sodium level was low…132.
normal is between 135-149

It has been like this for about a year or so.

But when I took the blood test also my BUN showed 26 high and the normal range is between 8-23…
My Creatinine was .7 normal is 0.4–1.6
BUN /Creatinint Ratio was 37.1 and the normal range is 5.0–22.0

on July 10, 2009 I went to urgent care another doctor gave me Cipro for urinary infection because I had burning when I urinated and my lower back and side ached.
My urine sample was negative of any infection but I told the doctor I took one Cipro several hours before I saw him of which I happened to have and do you think this could have altered the urine sample?

On 7-30-09 I took another blood test and my BUN showed it lowered to 21 and with this lab the normal range is 5–26

My Creatinine, Serum is .61 and normal is 0.57–1.00

My BUN /Creatinine Ratio went down to 34 but is still high which I was told by the Doctor this fluctuates and this does not mean nothing.

My Cholride Serum is 95 normal is 97–108

I have only one kidney….

Yesterday, this doctor recommended two Kidney specialists of which I need to pick one!

Can someone please help me with your knowledge or experience and information…

I would appreciate this very much!
Thank You!
God Bless!
Mikita!

I

ANSWER:
The news is good, your sole kidney is in pretty good shape based on your tests.

Na 132 is perfectly fine if stable.
Cr good.
A creatinine clearance would be nice to know, but likely to be A-ok also.

In answer to your other question, yes taking a antibiotic a few hours before a urine test might alter the results (if you had an infection, the sample should still have leucocytes but might not grow germs).

QUESTION:
acute renal failure in kitten… could the vet be wrong?
10 days ago I brought my kitten to the vet after 36 hours of not eating and extreme lethargy. He was very dehydrated and his blood work was all over the charts but even in the mess of blood values the vet was still able to discern kidney insufficiency after 12 hours of hospitalization everything but the kidney values (Creatinine BUN and also his WBC) were normalized after 36 hours he ripped out his IV and was much stronger but with the next days blood test there was no improvement in the BUN or WBC creatinine was slightly off after another 36 hours not much change She did not tell me what the numbers were but told me that she still didn’t know if he had ingested something or if he was born with bad kidneys. His kidneys looked normal on an X-ray not small like in CRF cats and his symptoms came on so suddenly I refuse to believe he was born with bad kidneys as for ingestion I keep no plants in the house and all toxic products (soaps and cleaning products) are kept almost out of reach for even me let alone the cat. Long story short (too late) I was told I could put him down or if I was up to it take him home and make him comfortable with sub-q treatments and a wet food diet (low protein if he would take it). Her prognosis was I would see him steadily decline in the next couple weeks. I took him home Saturday morning I have given him his fluids every day fed him by hand and stimulated his appetite I have also given him dilute apple cider vinegar to help flush his system and the antibiotics provided by the vet. It has been 5 1/2 days and he is not declining he is getting stronger every day he has stopped drinking so much and urinates 2-3 times per day his bowel movements seem normal a little soft from all wet food but in keeping with what he eats. His twitching has almost completely stopped (was a full body tremor when he came home) He sleeps about 18 hours a day I think that is normal my healthy cat does the same… is it possible that he is recovering? At least to a manageable CRF level? is it possible he had an infection clouded by the other blood values? Could this death sentence she gave my cat be preemptive? I am not looking for false hope I just think it is strange that nearly halfway through his proposed life expectancy he is stronger than he was on his IV fluids in the hospital… has anyone had a cat that recovered from Acute renal failure? How long was the process of recovery after hospitalization… This vet was good and cared but I think she was more worried that I would run out of money than anything else I just want to know if anyone else has seen these cats turn around at a little slower pace
oh and I check him for dehydration multiple times per day and he is always hydrated sometimes first thing in the morning he skin takes an extra second to spring back but nothing that my other cat doesn’t show from time to time. Also when he came home his urine didn’t have an odor now it has a light ammonia smell to it… could that mean he is clearing toxins again? I know the natural response is ask the vet but I think at this point she is more operating on a cover her ass mode than anything. (can’t say i blame her since everyone sues everybody else if things don’t go their way)

ANSWER:
Some cats do recover from this, especially if caught early. A couple things about this vet made me wonder, though. For one thing, did she explain the list of toxins that might have caused this? For example, in a little kitten even one tylenol or NSAID like ibuprofen could have caused this. I have a friend whose cat died from tylenol consumption. So if one fell out of your purse and you never noticed it, it could be that simple.

Since you obviously care about the kitten, my suggestion at this point might be to get a second opinion. The sad truth is, some vets are just not good with cats, and I’ve had 2 of these vets in 2 separate states. I would not be impressed if the cat was responding in exactly the opposite way the vet predicted, and rising kidney enzymes aren’t even always acute renal failure. If this was me (and I’ve done this anytime a diagnosis is tricky) I’d ask for a copy of his records and get a separate opinion. Try to find a cat specialist if you can. They’re not more expensive, and you might hear something very different. Cat rescue groups can help find one.

Obviously, if you do this, I’d suggest doing it quickly, partly because of the nature of the diagnosis and also with a weekend coming up.

I realize you’re not looking for false hope and I know how gut wrenching this is! But I wish someone had given me this advice when my cat had some strange symptoms, because I know I ended up in the hands of someone who was out of her league in treating it. Good luck to you and kitty.

QUESTION:
does my dog have kidney disease?
I have a 5 year old toy yorkie. she weighs 4lbs. she started drinking lots of water and started to wet the bed. took her to our vet, he did urine and blood test. nothing showed up. urine was very diluted. we cut her down to 5 oz of water a day for two weeks. that stopped the bed wetting, but she is still very thirsty. we did another urine test. still diluted. now another blood test to check bun levels. she is so thirsty she wines every other hour for water. PLEASE HELP.
2nd blood test done and “bun” levels are great. so no kidney disease. vet is looking into other things, like some sort of diabetes or a condition that the dog is bored and just drinks to drink. like a child with a pacifier. so far 4 test and nothing accomplished. I feed her a high protein dog food. no grain in it at all. the feed store says it is the best.

ANSWER:
I would NOT restrict water! If she has diabetes insipidus (which is one possibility), restricting water can actually be life threatening. If she has kidney disease, her water should not be restricted, either.

I really think you need a new, better vet. BUN should have been done on the bloodwork she already had, What was actually checked on the bloodwork? Do you have the results?

New vet… really! Restricting water is lousy and dangerous advice! Give her back her water bowl…

QUESTION:
Chronice Kidney Disease?
My mum’s 43 year old and has chronic kidney disease for the past 14 years. She is healthy and normal. The doctor says she suffers from a kidney infection and hence her kidney has been damaged. Her damage is progressive. For the past 5 years, her BUN level has been around 90 and creatinine around 2.3 to 2.4. Her recent blood test showed that her BUN was still 90 and creatinine increased to 2.8. Her haemoglobin has also decreased to 9.1 from 9.8. The doctor says she is OK as her WBC was low and hence her kidney infection was under control. However, I am scared as I read in the internet that increasing creatinine level shows increasing kidney damage. I am really scared and want to know whether my Mum is OK? I trust the doctor as he has successfully kept my mum’s kidney disease under control for 14 years. She has decided to take another blood test 2 days later. But, at what creatinine level is dialysis required? Is my Mum really OK?

ANSWER:
Normal Values :BUN
7 – 20 mg/dl. Note that normal values may vary among different laboratories.
Normal Values: Serum creatinine:
A normal (usual) value is 0.8 to 1.4 mg/dl. Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories.
Females have a lower creatinine than males, because they have less muscle mass.
Note: mg/dl = milligrams per deciliter
Normal values: Haemoglobin:
Male- 13.5 to 17.7 g/dL
Female-11.5 to 16.5 g/dL.
Consult the Nephrologist.
Please see the web pages for more details on BUN, Serum creatinine, Hemoglobin and Renal failure-chronic.

QUESTION:
Puppy with possible kidney disease…Should I keep him?
Me and my husband got a mini schnauzer 4 month old pup from a rescue group about a month ago. This has come to be the worst nightmare of our lives so far…Since the day we brought him home we noticed that he drinks a lot of water…we were told by the vet that it was probably stress from the house change…we waited and he still drank lots of water (he’s about 11 pounds and drinks about 1L of water everyday)…the vet did some blood tests and urinalysis and found his BUN, Phosphorous and Calcium levels a little elevated and his urine very dilute…nothing big, but still not normal…he said it was a probable UTI infection and put him on antibiotics…10 days later we took him back, the values were a little higher now…he advised of probable kidney disease, possibly congenital…the vet put him on k/d food and gave him more antibiotics. I decided to go to another vet for a second opinion and again the new vet advised that since his Creatinine values were within normal range, it could just be a bad infection and gave him stronger antibiotics for 14 more days. Yesterday I took him back for his recheck and now his values are all within normal although his urine is still very dilute (1.008 and this was his first urine of the day). The vet is not sure if his values are lower because the antibiotics are working or if it’s just because of the food he’s been eating have lowered the values (low protein, low calcium, phosphorus, etc) so she wanted to do an ultrasound to confirm if it’s indeed kidney disease…the ultrasound is about 0 but my husband and I cannot afford this. The vet suggested I just keep the dog b/c she does think it might be some kidney problem and leave him on the diet and just let him live whatever time he’s supossed to live…basically just keep him on diet and dont worry about testing and stuff….our dilemma is, should we return the puppy to the rescue group and let them deal with him? (they said they would put him up for readoption but I dont really believe them and i dont think anyone would adopt a sick puppy) or should we just keep him and let him be happy and give him love until God decides to take him away? By the way, the puppy is the happiest creature ever…he’s not in pain, with appetite, not lethargic or anything…in fact, he’s VERY active…My heart is broken because I love him with all my heart and I dont want him to be put to sleep or to be given to somebody that wont take care of him the way we do…so I need advise…should I keep him????????? HELP!!!

ANSWER:
As heartbreaking as it would be, I would keep the puppy until the day I had to make the tough decision to end his suffering. I would want to make sure this puppy was given the best chance at life.

QUESTION:
How long can a cat live with advanced kidney disease (kidney failure)?
My vet just said that my cat had advanced kidney disease/failure. Before diagnosis he suspected it and got kitty on fluids so he perked up a little. His test results came back and is BUN was over 300 and i think the normal is below 30. All of his other numbers were way off too. Kitty started eating and drinking on his own again but just a little. He comes out of the closet for that then goes back. I asked the vet what the prognosis was and all he said was “his kidneys are bad.” I don’t know what that tells me about how long kitty has.

ANSWER:
Kidney failure is the main cause of death for older cats. We have lost 6 cats to it.

Kidney failure is not curable, as the first person who answered this quesitgon said.

The BUN and other items in the blood which indicate kidney failure only start showing at abnormal levels when around 75% of the kidney function has been lost – that means that the cat (and humans) can get by on only about 25% of their kidney function and, usually, by the time the failure is detected, 75% of the kidney function has been lost.

A cat with kidney failure, called Chronic Renal Failure – CRF – can be helped with some medications and by monitoring and responding to increases and decreases in different substances such as potassium and calcium.

At home, the most beneficial thing you can do is give the cat fluids subcutaneously. You take an IV bag of a fluid such as Lactated Ringers Solution, attach an IV tubing set to the bag and a needle at the other end of the tubing and insert the needle under the cat’s skin and give them a dose of fluids – the normal does is around 100ml

This can help tremendously, as you saw when the vet gave him fluids.

However, you have to face the fact that your cat has what is a terminal disease.

I hope this isn’t to blunt – your cat will die of kidney failure and hopefully you and the vet can work to make the remaining time comfortable for him,

How long he has left depends upon a lot of things, it could be weeks, months, or years – but very likely not over a year or so.

The vet answered your question about prognosis as he did because it is very difficult to give a prognosis with CRF and also, as I said above, kidney failure, or euthanasia because of it, is the main cause of death for older cats.

If your vet will not teach you how to give fluids, I recommend talking with another vet.

Fluids can help tremendously in improving the cat’s day to day life.

Right now, you need to go to this Google search result page and start reading the pages and going to the support forums and learn from those who have been “there” –

If I can be of any help, we have had cats with CRF and I’ve given several cats subcutaneous fluids for this and other problems, do not hesitate to email me.

Go to that Google result page and read the material it found.

My wife always says that you know when a cat’s time has come, that they give you a sign, one way or another when it is time to let them go.

Even so, it will be one of them most difficult decisions you will every have to make – we have had to euthanize 11 cats over the past 22 years and it never gets any easier.

Kidney failure is not curable, even in humans, without a transplant. The only “treatment” is dialysis.

Kidney transplants are available for cats but they are costly, ,000 and up, and most CRF cats are not healthy enough to survive the surgery. You are also required to adopt the donor cat – which you naturally would do – at least we would.

Dialysis by machine is not available for cats.

I have tried to find vets who will do Peritoneal Dialysis http://www.kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/peritoneal/ but have never found one.

It sounds like you have a very sick cat and that you need to begin, right now, to prepare yourself for his inevitable death.

You might want to get all of his records and get a second opinion from another vet.

You are facing a critical problem and it could not hurt to hear the view of another vet on the problem.

My wife and I wish you good luck and that perhaps tomorrow some earth shattering cure for kidney failure will be announced and all the CRF cats can be saved – but then, we live in the real world where things like that don’t seem to ever happen.

Our luck and our sympathy to you and don’t hesitate to email me for any reason.

QUESTION:
Has anyone been able to improve your kidney function by discontinuing harmful NSAIDs?
I’ve been taking Diclofenac (Voltaren) for 5 years straight without knowing how harmful this is to the kidneys, just like all other NSAIDs. These medications cause either Acute Renal Failure (which is reversible) and a Chronic Kidney Desease called Analgesic Nephropathy, of which some websites say that it’s irreversible and some other ones say that sometimes it CAN be reversed by discontinuing the medicine. Obviously, I don’t have the Acute kind or I would have had to go to the emergency room already. I’ve just got tested: my creatinine is 0.8, my BUN is 14 and my GFR is 85 (I’m a 38-year-old female). I’m extremely scared, because kidney damage is usually not only irreversible but also progressive -it gets worse and worse until the person loses all of its function. So, given the discrepancy among websites regarding reversibility of the damage, I simply want to ask: Has anyone been able to improve their GFR?

ANSWER:
Take a deep breath & relax.

Your creatinine, BUN, & GFR are FINE. Well within normal limits. If you’re that worried, stop the Voltaren & talk to your doctor.

Whenever you get an Rx, talk to the pharmacist about possible side effects.

QUESTION:
Canine Kidney Failure?
I have a 12 year old Pomeranian that has had chronic knee problems for years. All of the Vets we visited discouraged knee surgery due to limited success rates. So back in ’07 they thought that she had developed arthritis in her knees, so I started giving her half of a baby aspirin with good results. After about a year, she did not respond to the aspirin as well as before so we took her to the Vet and started her on Metacam. Halfway through ’09 Tribble started slowing down, her tail would always be down, and was only eating half of her food. My wife and I thought this was due to knee pain, so December of ’09 we decided to have the knee surgery done. We brought her home from the Vet and she ate as normal, however the next day she did not finish her food and would only eat cat food. From there on she would only eat limited amounts of various things, such as egg and steak, but would not touch her food. We thought she was depressed so we waited for the cast to come off and see. Well, a month and a total of two surgeries later the cast comes off and the knee looks great, however Tribble still will not eat. We had the cast removed on a Wednesday and on Thursday we took her back to the Vet for the surgeon to double check her knee, which was perfect. We explained to the DR that she is still not eating, so the DR recommended a blood test. Friday I get a call from the DR that Tribble is in sever kidney failure, her BUN is 157 and her CRE is 8.*. The DR recommended IV therapy, which we did all Friday night and got good results with the BUN dropping to 86 and the CRE to 3.3. To try and continue the good results we put her in the emergency vet hospital over the weekend for IV therapy. I dropped her off at our regular Vet that Monday morning to continue IV therapy and get blood work. Well the blood work came back worse, BUN 108 and the CRE 6.6, what the hell? So all week I have been dropping her off at the Vet to get IV therapy during the day and the numbers have dropped a bit to BUN 104, CRE 6.1. However her veins are giving out and they cannot keep the catheter in for more than a day at a time and are now on leg number 4. Does anyone have any experience that can offer a suggestion? I want my dog’s last days to be peaceful, but don’t want to give up if there is any REAL possibility that she could have a recovery, even to the “manageable” level.

ANSWER:
Kidney failure has the ability to be a potent adversary, and may not always respond favorably to treatment. In general, the body is able to compensate for a significant amount of kidney dysfunction — 75% of kidney function must be lost before changes are seen, and the damage may be reversible or irreversible. So, anytime a situation like this occurs, it is easily life-threatening.

Here are a couple of things to consider in terms of pushing forward or not with your pet:
1. It may be possible to pursue further treatment and diagnostics with a specialist. There are many universities and referral centers across the country with great, board-certified doctors in nearly any imaginable sub-field of veterinary medicine.

2. Step back and look honestly at your pet’s situation and begin to consider her quality of life in your decision-making process. It can be difficult at times, but you have people around you — family, friends, veterinary professionals — who can all aid in your decision-making by giving opinions and support. The important thing is to not allow her to suffer without cause.

–Note that the above answer is informational and opinionated only. It would not be possible to give sound medical advice pertinent to your pet without seeing her.

QUESTION:
What could cause low GFR (56) test. I DON’T have high blood pressure or diabetes.?
Had blood work through project healthy living ( Detroit Area ). I also had high triglycerides 378, total cholesterol 218. But I’m petrified about this GFR test. I didn’t even know what this test was. Looked it up on internet. It’s about the kidneys. But it stated that the two main things that affect kidney problems are high blood pressure and diabetes. DON’T HAVE THEM. What else could cause this low reading. I do have horrible sinuses, for 9 long non-stop years. And have used generic afrin to breathe for 5 years. I know this is bad, but I cannot breathe. Sinus drainage is causing me to feel like I’ve been in constant torture. Have no health ins. and project heathy living is trying to get help for me, to see someone. But in the mean time I’m petrified. No high blood pressure, No diabetes. GFR 56?
My BUN was 10, and Cretanine was 1.1 with in normal ranges.

ANSWER:
Keep in mind that the GFR from a blood test is just an estimated value. It takes your creatinine, your age, your race, and your gender, and comes up with a number based on statistics. (See the first two sources below for more information about the calculations for GFR.) Kidney function can be determined much more accurately by doing urine tests, such as a 24-hour urine collection.

There are many causes of decreased kidney function, other than diabetes and high blood pressure. See the third source below for some examples. Of course, you don’t know for sure that you have decreased kidney function.

I hope they are able to find a doctor who can see you and follow up on this, but until then, try not to worry too much. I hope the doctor is also able to help with the sinus problems and the lipids. Good luck, and I hope everything goes well.

QUESTION:
Addisons Disease?? (Dog)?
My dog has been to the vet extensively (including today) and I have researched her symptoms and have come up with the possibility that she has Addisons. Tomorrow I will have her tested but I was wondering if anyone can give additional information to me.

She is a 2 yr old Papillion. She had puppies 4 wks ago. As of 6 days ago she stopped eating all together. Her glucose was low, 65, and we started antibiotics. She seemed to improve. This morning she couldnt walk, like she was too weak. She drinks some fluids but vet confirms dehydration. her Kidneys are not functioning right. BUN, PHOS, HCT, HGB, and PLT all high and glucose an alarming 23. (VERY LOW) Her temp 94.3

Tomorrow she will be put on IV antibiotics, fluids and glucose for a hopeful improvement. I am also asking them to test for this specific disease. They told me she is near death and I am beside myself trying to find the cause so it can be treated along with the symptoms. Any advice, experience or suggestions appreciated
Its not just kidney failure, there are 2 tests for kidneys, one came back normal, the other was high. Please dont answer unless you are familiar with Addisons disease. THANKS.
Had dog tested for Addisons today but she has improved alot in the last 24 hours with meds and glucose supplements. Hopefully its not Addisons and she gets over it.

ANSWER:
Did they check her Potassium and Sodium? K and Na. If they are low = dehydration. If they are high it could be kidney failure(it is also a sign of addison’s ) It could just be Kidney failure, but she is young for that. Is there any chance that she got into any poisons? rat poison or antifreeze?

Those labs are indicating dehydration or kidney failure i do believe.

One site says not to force water and that pedialyte is ok. I would check with the vet first.

I hope she gets to be OK

QUESTION:
Anyone have any ideas or been through this with their dog?
My dog was hospitalized for 4 days on IV fluids, she would not eat and would vomit if she did, when I would visit her she would eat but vomit after I left. Her BUN and creatine were elevated, and WBC, ALT and Potassium. I seen she was so nervous to be away I took her home on friday. She has not vomited once at home and is eating k/d,drinking water, normal urine and stool, she is playful been on walks everyday and running around with her toys and my other dogs. No signs of dehydration, but she is shaking. She is a three year old jack russell and has always shaked but not as much. Could it be a side affect from the antibotics she is taking? Kidney disease is possible but repeat testing next Saturday after one week of meds. Would she have done so well the past three days if she is in kidney failure? waiting on Addisons results also.. I dont know what to think. She was retested this Saturday and her creatinine dropped to 2 from 3.5 BUN little change. The Vet said as long as the Creatinine improved over the last 12hrs he was not as worried, Potassium was normal also but WBC still slightly elevated. Anyone been through this?? I am so upset, I love my baby and will pay or do anything if she has a chance. She was hospitalized for dehydration due possible obstruction from digging in gravel, she has no previous symptoms of kidney disease and blood work last year was normal.
My dog did recieve a injection on thursday for Addisons? could this be why she is feeling better?

ANSWER:
She is in a type of kidney failure which is why her levels are up. Did they ever suggest it was kidney stones (uric crystals?) That would cause pain which might explain the high levels and the shaking from pain. She also might have a kidney infection which shows from the elevated WBC. If crystals are blocking the ureter that can cause an infection.

QUESTION:
borderline high potassium levels?
I went to the Dr last wk because I needed some treatment for heartburn. Because I’m a worrier, I asked the dr to just do some bloodwork to rule out anything more serious. So they called today and said all my labwork looked great, other than my potassium level at 5.3. They said it was no rush, just whenever I had the time this week to drop by the lab and they would repeat the test. Luckily they had checked my BUN and it was normal. (my Mom has kidney disease). So if my CBC, liver functions, kidney function bloodwork came back fine, do I need to be worried about my potassium level at 5.3? They should have my repeat test results back in about 2 days. But until then, can anyone tell me anything to reassure me I’m probably fine? I’m in a total panic over this.

ANSWER:
If your kidneys are normal and you are not taking potassium supplements you are indeed fine. If they mentioned that the specimen was “hemolyzed” your minor elevation may be a laboratory abnormality rather than a real abnormality. Get the repeat and don’t worry.

QUESTION:
What do these lab results mean?
I went into the dr. about three days ago because I have an IUD (for 2 years) and 2 pregnancy tests came up positive and I haven’t had my menstrual cycle in 2 months. The serum pregnancy test came up negative but, my lab reveals other issues possibly kidney or liver problems. My MPV level is 6.9 but, RDW is 11.9 (borderline) and my lymphocyte number is 1.4 (borderline). I have a high BUN/CREA ration of 22.9 but my individual BUN is 16 and my individual CREA level is 0.70 (both are normal). Then my total BILIRUBIN is 0.13 (low) and my GOT and GPT is high, GOT is 67 and GPT 102. My albumin is 4.2 (normal) globulin is 2.8 (normal) and my ALK PHOS is 108 (normal) My EST GFR is >60 which is also normal. I have felt tired, I have stomach cramps around my abdomen like a band is tightening and feelings of pregnancy like nausea and increase in vaginal secretions but still no menstrual cycle but, not pregnant. When I had my twins in 2006 I had preeclampsia but, said after the twins I should be fine. What could this possibly mean

ANSWER:
maybe you need an ultrasound

QUESTION:
Senior cat with kidney failure?
The vet says my cat has chronic kidney failure. She is about 12 to 13 years old, maybe 14. (She was abandoned 11 years ago when I took her in, I’m guessing she was 1 to 3 years old at the time.) The BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) number from her test was a very high 115 (normal is 15 to 34). Her creatinine was 6 (normal is .8 to 2.3). She has also lost a lot of weight. I’m awaiting results of a test for a suspected urinary tract infection. I’m treating her with IV fluids and appetite stimulants.

My question is for anyone who has been through this. Has your cat recovered? My concern is for the quality of life for my cat. I don’t want her to suffer. I don’t want to put her through treatments which will just make her miserable while prolonging the inevitable. I realize I may come across as heartless. The vet doesn’t seem too optimistic. Has anyone had an older cat who recovered from kidney failure?

Thanks.
Thank you to everyone for your advice and well wishes. I sincerely appreciate your support. She’s eating a little bit more but is becoming less active. I’m not ready to give up hope and will continue with her treatments.
Bob, you are correct. The fluids, lactated ringers, are administered under the skin, not IV. Poor choice of terms on my part.

ANSWER:
We have had 6 cats with CRF over the years, ranging in age from 14 to 18.

I see that you are giving her fluids – good, that is one of the best things you can do at home for a CRF cat. However, I suspect you are giving the fluids subcutaneously, not intravenously (IV) – if you are inserting a needle under the skin and then putting fluids under her skin, your are giving them subcutaneously. If you are hooking up to an IV line left in a vein by the vet, then you are giving them intravenously (IV). Just wanted to make sure we are using correct terminology.

The bad news is that CRF does not get better. It will only get worse and will likely be the cause of death for the cat – well, you will probably have her euthanized and that will be the actual cause of death but you will do it because her kidneys will eventually shut down completely.

BUT – with proper treatment – by you and the vet – she have have more years of good quality life. We have had cats with CRF live an additional 4 to 5 years – pretty good years.

However, CRF is a serious condition. Kidney failure is actually the leading cause of death (euthanasia, that is) for older cats. If anyone ever figures out a way to prevent, or provide better treatment for, CRF, they will become quite famous and very wealthy.

I’ve given many a dose of fluids to CRF cats (and non CRF cats who were dehydrated) and while it is not something they look forward to, it really does not put them through very much. Once the needle is in place,, there is going to be very little discomfort as the dose is given – very little discomfort.

I don’t know what appetite stimulants you are using but we have had good results with Cyproheptadine (believe it or not, I can spell that right off

As to deciding when the cat’s life is no longer worth living – I can’t make that decsion for you but hopefully your vet knows enough to help you with it.

You said the vet was not optimistic, wait, to make any decsion, until she had been on fluids for a week or two and have another panel run to look at her BUN and creatinine. You also want to look at her hematocrit. That is the ratio of packed blood cells to serum in a centrifuged blood sample. It tells you if she is anemic, something that happens with CRF.

If she were my cat and I was not completely confident in the vet, I would get a second opinion.

A competent, profesional vet should not object to you asking for copies of her records, and all test results, so that you can get a second opinion. If your vet tries to discurage a second opinoin, I’d find a new vet.

We, my wife and I, have had 26 cats over the 23 years we have been married and, as I said, have had cats with CRF which has lead to our deciding to euthanize them when the condition became severe.

After going through a lot of vets, we have found one who I consider very competent in just about every area except diabetes – we have had four diabetic cats over the past 10 years. Simon was diagnosed about 13 years after he became my best buddy and we have adopted three other diabetic cats, knowing they were diabetic when we adopted them. We make all treatment decisions as regards treatment of the diabetes and we use the vet for other issues.

I consider our vet to be probably one in several thousand vets as regards his knowledge, experience, skills, and approach to the treatment of cats – and if you knew me, you would know that I do not give out such praise lightly.

Over the years the vet has learned more about diabetes – from me – but he still sometimes asks my advice on another diabetic cat who is his patient. My wife has said that I should charge him a consutling fee

When we were talking to the owners of the last diabetic cat we adopted, she wanted some references and I gave her the name and telephone number of our vet.

She called me back a few days later and said the he had told her “I can’t think of anyone in the area who could treat a diabetic cat better than Bob.”

As I was saying, about your cat, don’t make a decision regarding euthanasia until you see how she responds to treatment. If you have any doubts, get a second opinion.

Some tips as regards the fluids -

Don’t buy supplies from the vet, the vet will likely charge you several times the prices you can find else where.

We buy needles and IV tubing sets from Brico http://www.bricomedicalsupplies.com/CRFpage.html We have ordered from them for at least seven years and have never had any problems. You will need prescriptions of the needles and IV tubing sets.

We buy the fluids – Lactated Ringers Solution – locally at a Sam’s Club pharmacy (owned by Walmart). If you have the NDC (National Drug Code) for the fluids, almost any pharmacy can order them for you. The NDC on the fluids I have is 0409-7953-09. The code includes a code for the manufacturer and with companies changing names and being bought out and such, the exact code my change. You can get the code off the bag of fluids you have.

Price examples: the vet who first put one of our cat on fluids charged us .00 for a one litter bag of LRS, .00 for one IV tubing set, and .25 for tweleve needles.

You can buy a box of one hundred needles from Brico for .90. I recommend the needles that they code as: TERN1825. They are Terumo 18g x 1″ needles. A gauge 18 will get the dose into the cat faster than a smaller gauge 19 or 20 needle.

You can buy IV tubing sets from Brico for .25 each. I recommend their item MCGV1402 which is a BBraun IV Administration Set with no injection port – you don’t need an injection port.

I have not bought any Lactated Rings Solution for a couple of years. The last price I paid was about .00 for a case of 12 one litter bags.

Get separate prescriptions for needles, IV tubing sets, and fluids and shop around. You will need one IV tubing set per bag of fluids and one needle per dose. Since the most common dose is 100ml, you will get ten doses out of a one litter bag.

As to administration – once you get the needle in place and fluid is moving well, grab the bag and squeeze – you may also need to twist up the empty portion of the bag – as hard as you can to get the fluids in more quickly. I can “push” 100ml into a cat in about 35 seconds, whereas it would take some minutes if I allowed gravity to drip it in.

Warm the fluids before you give them.

Leave the tubing set attached between doses and leave the needle in place – you will put on a new needle when you prepare for the next dose. Hang the bag somewhere out of the way between doses, use betadine (or equivalent) to clean the needle end of the tubing set before putting on a new needle.

If you would like to, you can email me at crfinfo@sugarcatsimon.com and I will send you a very detailed description of the exact procedure I use to prepare everything and then give a dose of fluids to a cat.

Good luck and give your cat a hug for me.

Bob

QUESTION:
I have an 8 year old female mongrel with kidney failure issues.?
The initial blood report showed that she had a BUN level of 175 and a creanitine level of 5. After 8 days of fluid therapy the levels were brought down to BUN 66 and creanitine 2.5. All through this period she was eating a little food and then after the levels were brought down was looking for food and eating well and drinking water.
She ate very well on a Sunday, 5 days after the IV fluids were stopped. Then she lost her appetite again. On Sunday she had some of our food with some spicy stuff in it – little bit of chillie.
My vet suspects it to be gastric problems due to the spice, so, she was treated for gastric problems and when yoghurt was given she ate it and since then has started to drink milk and eat a little bit of chicken. She is very active.
Anyway, another blood test was done and that shows that her bUN level had gone upto 81 and creanitine to 3.7. We are about to start the IV therapy again to lower the these levels.
All in all, she is very active. Appreciate any comments

ANSWER:
First, try asking again in the pet section, you may get some more animal specific answers there.
I’m not an expert, but I thought that dogs with kidney failure needed a special diet which is low in salts and proteins. This can usually be bought through your vet. I’m surprised the vet didn’t mention it.
Good luck, I hope your dog does well, its such a worry when they are poorly.

QUESTION:
What STDs did I miss?
So, at my appt yesterday, my doc said he’d run the full panel of tests and just test for every type of STD.

He did three swabs in his office while doing a physical exam of the area. He didn’t mention what these tests were and I wasn’t given any sort of paperwork (I thought I would be, so I didn’t ask him) that stated what he’d tested for.

ANSWER:
I would call them to see if they tested for all the STDS The important ones are the ones that never go away… HIV, Herpes, HPV, ect…..
Just give them a call and see what they tested you for. But usuallly the best way is to get a blood test done

A 23-year-old felt puffy, weak, and tired for several months. She suddenly noticed her urine had a red to brown discoloration and the volume was minimal. She went to the emergency room of a nearby hospital and the following data were obtained upon examination and testing:

What is the disorder of this individual?
What situation(s) predispose an individual to this disorder?
What is the cause of the hyponatremia and hyperkalemia?
Why is there blood in the urine?
How do the renal function tests for this individual compare to normal?
What caused the puffy feeling?
What type of treatment does this person need?
Is this person a candidate for kidney dialysis? Explain your answer.

PLEASE HELP I HAVE NO IDEA!!!!!!

ANSWER:
lol, I just did this case study for my A&P class last semester except mine said it was a “he.” I wrote that the patient had chronic kidney disease/renal failure.

A 23-year-old felt puffy, weak, and tired for several months. She suddenly noticed her urine had a red to brown discoloration and the volume was minimal. She went to the emergency room of a nearby hospital and the following data were obtained upon examination and testing:

What is the disorder of this individual?
What situation(s) predispose an individual to this disorder?
What is the cause of the hyponatremia and hyperkalemia?
Why is there blood in the urine?
How do the renal function tests for this individual compare to normal?
What caused the puffy feeling?
What type of treatment does this person need?
Is this person a candidate for kidney dialysis? Explain your answer.

Kidney are unable to remove excess fluids – swelling in the legs, ankles feet, and legs

Hyperkalemia- because the the kidneys are unable to secrete potassium

Hyponatremia – because the kindeys are unabel to reabsorb sodium back into the blood

Treatment :

Kidney transplant

Dialysis would be a good idea as malnutrition will eventually set in making the symptoms worse

Blood in the urine because kidneys are unable to filter RBC’s properly, blood in the urine is normal in very minute- nodetectable by the eye, amounts. Brown color do to RBC’s indicates failure to filter – Kidney failure

1a. What is the disorder of this individual?
1b. What situation(s) predispose an individual to this disorder?
2. Define hyponatremia and hyperkalemia.
3. What is the cause of the hyponatremia and hyperkalemia?
4. Why is there blood in the urine?
5. How do the renal function tests for this individual compare to normal?
6. What caused the puffy feeling?
7. What type of treatment does this person need?
8. Is this person a candidate for kidney dialysis? Explain your answer.

ANSWER:
HAHA, I am assuming your in Dr. Welsh’s class and getting a bit of help on case history #3?

QUESTION:
Turned down for life ins…can someone help me decipher the results?
I am a 51 yr old female…take lysinopril for my blood pressure…went through blood and urine tests for the coverage…
Here is why they said they denied coverage: height (5’5″), weight (240), protein in urine and blood sugar test results…I was given a Fasting Blood test…after 8 hrs of no food, only small amount of water…here is what the results are:
(the ones with asterisks are the ones they have starred)

Any idea what I should be concerned about here? I have looked up protein in urine and I do not like what I am reading…kidney disease???? I don’t want to be worried about this, but is there someone out there that can shed some light on what this might show a doctor to look for?

I had a complete physical a yr ago, and nothing showed up at all..excpet my blood pressure was high.

ANSWER:
You might want to schedule and appointment with your regular physician. Some of those levels look like precursors to diabetes or possible kidney stones. Have your doctor look at the results.

QUESTION:
A doctor wants be to get blood work done…?
A doctor, not my normal doctor, wants me to get some blood tests run, but would not tell me why. I think he wants a before/after ‘photo’ for some medication he might put me on. Anyway, I’m just wondering what these tests are, if a doctor or anyone knows. Here’s what’s written and what I’m supposed to give to the people at the hospital when I go:
CBC x Diff
LFT
TSH
BUN
Cmeatmice (??)
DxCDoCe: V58.69

Yeah, obviously this was hand written. He said it’s for thyroid, kidney, liver and something else, but I just want to know what I’m getting done before I’m actually at the hospital. Thanks!
A doctor, not my normal doctor, wants me to get some blood tests run, but would not tell me why. I think he wants a before/after ‘photo’ for some medication he might put me on. Anyway, I’m just wondering what these tests are, if a doctor or anyone knows. Here’s what’s written and what I’m supposed to give to the people at the hospital when I go:
CBC x Diff
LFT
TSH
BUN
Cmeatmice (??)
DxCDoCe: V58.69

Yeah, obviously this was hand written. He said it’s for thyroid, kidney, liver and something else, but I just want to know what I’m getting done before I’m actually at the hospital. Thanks!

Edit: I want to know if these are normal tests a Dr. might have run, or if these are anything in particular. Does t his all look and seem normal?

ANSWER:
You answered your own question, your doctor said this is for your Thyroid, Kidney’s, and Liver.

Many people have small pouches in their colons that bulge ou 00004000 tward through weak spots, like an inner tube that pokes through weak places in a tire. Each pouch is called a diverticulum. Pouches (plural) are called diverticula. The condition of having diverticula is called diverticulosis.

It is believed that the development of diverticula is a result of the adoption of western diets, which tend to be low in fiber.

Most people with diverticulosis do not have any discomfort or symptoms, but some might experience mild cramps, bloating, and constipation. Other diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and stomach ulcers cause similar problems, so these symptoms do not always mean a person has diverticulosis. You should visit your doctor if you have these troubling symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

QUESTION:
Why is Bright’s disease (kidney condition) so difficult to treat?
I was looking up for some kidney diseases a couple of days ago for a school project. Bright diseases in particular, really grabbed my attention. Now, I know that it’s is the inflammation of nephrons. What I found really interesting was that there is really no cure for it. So my question is, what kind of inflammation is this and what makes this inflammation is so difficult to treat?
and if it could be treated, what are some of the possible methods to treat it?

please explain in detail
Thank you

ANSWER:
You might want to try a different kidney disease. Bright’s disease needs re-classification due to this being only a historic and not really a newer name developed for it. In modern medicine diseases are classified according to their newer causes for them Since the cause of this disease refers to acute or chronic nephritis and this also being a symptom and/or cause then the name is out of date. There is frequently blood serum plasma in the urine causing edema and hypertension. These common symptoms were first described by an English doctor by the name of Richard Bright, hence the name of Bright’s disease. Symptoms that usually signal an oncoming attack are back pain, vomiting and fever. Edema that can range from slightly distended to extreme retention that will distend then entire body and will make someone suffer from breathing difficulty can also be a common symptom too. Urine is reduced in quantity, and can be smoky, dark or bloody in color. This is about all of the material available for Bright’s disease as of today. Since these symptoms are also covered under so many other kidney diseases I’m wondering if this isn’t also the reason for more research into it. Good luck and God Bless

QUESTION:
What is Brite’s or Bright’s disease?
I heard this referred to some type of kidney disease but would like to know which one since there are many kidney diseases and disorders out there. My husband is having health issues and his uncle on his mother’s side had “Brite’s disease” Is this hereditary?

ANSWER:
I hope this helps.
I understand Bright’s disease to be a disease in which the Kidney is inflamed. It’s used as an old classification of various of kidney diseases like nephritis, (inflammation), proteinuria (bloody urine), and kidney failure.

And it can be hereditary if you have a gene problem. For example a guy with Gitelman’s syndrome will get Bright’s. Now his grandson has the same genetic disorder so he also suffered from Bright’s.
So like many diseases the chances of having it increase when a relative did.

QUESTION:
What does the colour green mean in a biuret test?
I had to do a lab regarding diagnosis of kidney disorders, and i did this by using the biuret test, the benedicts test and testing the pH levels of the different urine samples (fake pee, so not that gross ). For the biuret test, i got the following colours: yellow green, really light green, purple and light green. I know purple signals the presence of protein, but what do the other colours mean? Also, does the presence of protein in the pee mean this person is suffering from Bright’s disease?

ANSWER:
The biuret reagent is made of potassium hydroxide (KOH) and hydrated copper (II) sulfate, together with potassium sodium tartrate. The reagent turns from blue to violet in the presence of proteins, blue to pink when combined with short-chain polypeptides. I am not aware of any other colours, the only thing i can think of is some type of “contaminent”

Bright’s Disease is an older classification for different forms of kidney disease. Lack of understanding of kidney function naturally meant that several different conditions could be considered Bright’s Disease. These include inflammation of the kidney, commonly called nephritis. Inflammation may be the result of too much protein being shed through the kidneys, called proteinuria, or hematuria, which causes blood in the urine. As well, Bright’s Disease might describe kidney failure due to high blood pressure or retention of fluids. So it could be any number of different problems.

QUESTION:
Kidney or appendix hurt a lot at the moment!!!?
I was trying to get up from the chair and i felt bad hurt in right side of my stomach / back (both of them, more in back). It doesn’t go over and I don’t know if it’s kidney or appendix, because I’ve heard that appendix can explode and you even can die??
I had bright’s disease in November and then both of the kidneys did hurt but now the pain is only in the right side of stomach/back.
It’s late night here and I don’t know what to do, should I call ambulance?
Hurry help please.
I really scare to call ambulance, because my parents think it’s just of cold (they even think that when my hand hurts, then it’s from cold and don’t care of it) and they just screamed on me minutes ago and I’m lucky they didn’t hit me.
Mom said that I should take painkillers :S:S
my parents are crazy and live in year 980, i know.

Glucose does not normally appear in the urine, but when too much glucose builds up in the blood, the excess spills over from the kidney into the urine where it can be detected by specially designed plastic test strips and reagent tablets containing chemicals which detect glucose in urine. Color changes occur according to the amount of sugar present.

Regular monitoring of glucose levels aids in the control of diabetes. It will help determine medication, exercise and dietary needs and help decrease complications (eg, kidney and eye problems) and problems during pregnancy.

Ketones appear in the urine when the body breaks down body fats to use as a source of energy or food. This can occur in fasting individuals, outof-control diabetics and individuals on starvation diets. Proteins in the urine may be an early sign of kidney disease.

To help prevent the development of complications and problems during pregnancy.

Avoid contact with skin, mucous membranes or clothing. If contact occurs, flush the affected area with large amounts of water. If test strips, tape, or tablets are eaten or rubbed in the eyes, contact your doctor or local poison control center immediately. If eaten, do not induce vomiting; instead, drink large amounts of water or milk. If contact with the eyes occurs, flush with water for 15 minutes. Get prompt medical attention.

Specimen Collection and Handling: Collect fresh urine in a clean, dry container and test as soon as possible. (An alternate method is to pass the test strips directly through the urine stream). If testing cannot be done within an hour after collection, refrigerate. Let it return to room temperature before testing. Prolonged exposure of unpreserved urine to room temperature (59 to 86F) may result in bacterial contamination and bacterial consumption of the glucose. Urine preservatives may also affect the accuracy of test results.

Storage and Handling: For bottled strips-Store at room temperature (59 to 86 F). Do not store the bottle in direct sunlight. Protect from light, heat, and moisture.

Keep unused test strips in the original bottle with the cap tightly closed. Always replace the cap immediately and tightly. A new bottle of test strips can be used for 6 months after first being opened. Always write the date you first opened the bottle on the bottle label. Do not use the product after the expiration date. Use of strips beyond the expiration date may yield inaccurate test results. Never transfer strips to another bottle. Do not remove drying agent from the bottle. The agent absorbs moisture and keeps the strips dry. Never put cotton or other materials in the bottle. If test areas are discolored or darkened, throw the strip away and use a strip from a new bottle.

Frequently Asked Questions

QUESTION:
Confusing blood tests for a child?
Can anyone explain some blood test results for my 5 year old, please. She had the following tests FBC, liver, kidney, thyroid, B12 and iron. All came back ok except Ferritin – 6 (normal min 13) and Mean Corpuscular volume 89.6 (normal 68-87). She has been prescribed an iron supplement. I am confused because everything I read says that iron depletion would cause a decreased MCV rather than an elevated one.

ANSWER:
The MCV is just barely higher than the normal range – its of no clinical significance. Differences larger than this can occur from being slightly dehydrated.

If the results are not from dehydration, and all other aspects of the blood test (other than ferritin and MCV) are normal, then the results would indicate that the red blood cells are slightly larger than normal. This is common with iron deficiency anemia since the hemoglobin molecules can develop an abnormal structure when there isn’t enough iron.

QUESTION:
Question about blood tests?
I had some blood tests taken at the doctors as I feel tired all the time. I think they checked my liver, kidneys and for diabetes. I had a phone call saying one of them was borderline , that I got a six and the normal was 5. I have to go back in two weeks and get them taken again. The name was imflammatory something and I couldn’t understand what the test was for . Could someone please explain what the test means please.
The doctor did explain these bits to me but the name of the test was so long and I’m sure it had imflammatory in it.

ANSWER:
Was it CRP or C reactive protein? The upper limit of normal for this is 5.

If it was C reactive protein it is a non specific marker of inflammation. The most likely cause of a high test result is infection. However, lots of things can cause it to be elevated and 6 isn’t really that high.

QUESTION:
Kidney blood test…and is elevated??
I am seeing a RE and have been TTC. I had to have blood work for my kidneys because they were putting me on Metformin cause i have PCOS. Anywas my blood work came back elevated form my kidney test. What would elevated mean??..they want me to run the tst again in a couple of weeks.

Please explain???

ANSWER:
Elevated creatinine is a sign of loss of kidney function. Is that what they said? There are lots of other patients and caregivers who can answer your questions on the kidney message forum at www.ihatedialysis.com – you can get a lot of help and support there. I wish you the best of luck.

QUESTION:
My blood tests came back normal, but could there still be something wrong?
Other people pointed their fingers at cancer when I explained my symptoms, it scared me because cancer runs through my family. So I went to the doctor and explained that I’ve been having weight loss (15 lbs in the past few months, not trying), crazy easy bruising, soreness etc. I talked to him for almost an hour and then he took some blood tests as well as a urine test. I got the results today over the phone, his nurse said my blood cell count was normal, protein was normal, liver and kidney was normal. I think that’s it. Does this mean I’m in the clear for cancer, or should I ask specifically for cancer screenings? If everything is normal, I don’t know why I’ve been losing weight or bruising super easily. Does anyone have any suggestions? I mean, I get a few bruises every time I work out, and I don’t work out hard at all. Should I be worried or not?

All serious answers would be very much appreciated! Thanks in advance!

ANSWER:

QUESTION:
high and low liver and cholesterol blood test results – can someone explain them to me?
I was tested for kidney problems because I have high blood pressure (typically 160/105) and I just received my blood results by post – with some showing as ‘hi’ and ‘lo’, but only one is circled and they sent a leaflet about high cholesterol, so I’m a bit in the dark about what it all means.

I’m 30, i exercise, eat very healthily, don’t smoke. I have relatives with heart disease.
I previously drank quite a lot of alcohol but have cut down a lot, so why is my cholesterol high when my lifestyle is generally good? The leaflet they sent me isn’t exactly helpful as it just tells me to do the things i already do, and there was no other explanation offered at all…

Can someone explain what these results mean and what could cause them?

ANSWER:
according to washington manual of medical therapeutics all your results are normal, so relax.

QUESTION:
Liver function blood test is it worth the bother?
My GP has sent a liver blood function test in the post. No explain what for. I have a lot of blood tests and hate them and going to Dr’s can be really distressing for me. I have overdosed twice in the last 6 months one on lithium only which is more kidney damage and one lithium, serqoul XR and lorazepam. And have had kidney function tested for, thyriod and lithium levels recent enough.

I have no known physical symptoms so it’s not failing and was checked about a year ago- found fatty tissue but nothing else.

I really don’t feel up having this blood test and wanted to hear if people thought it would really be a problem not having it as it seems very routine.
Have been taking the lithium for 4+ years with no problems. And most of the others over ab year with no problems either

ANSWER:
The drugs you are on and your overdosing can cause serious problems for your kidney’s and liver. These problems may not show in the first few years. If caught early these problems can be treated. That is why testing is so important. You do not want to end up like me and have to use a Dialysis machine for several hours twice a week.

QUESTION:
Is my blood pressure high? No one really explained much.?
Last night I ended up visiting the E.R, due to having cramping and pain, I also felt nauseous, however I have been unwell this entire pregnancy, so it wasn’t out of the ordinary.

For me, normal blood is around 100-100 over 60, last night they checked it, and said it was perfectly fine at 130/60. I know 130 is fairly normal, maybe a touch on the higher side of normal, but none the less not urgent. However my doctor has been telling me this entire pregnancy that if the ‘top’ number (sorry, correct term escapes me) goes well and truly above my average of 100-110 that it classifies as high blood pressure, but he never mentioned, or didn’t explain the bottom number principle. But, the nurse said it was high just because I felt nauseous and had a temperature last night (Temp of 39.5c, or 103.1 Fahrenheit, so it was a pretty low-grade fever, easily controlled by paracetamol.)

So I don’t really know what to think, tests revealed a Kidney infection, but it was in it’s ‘early days’ apparently, so they caught it early and it shouldn’t be a bother with medication. Does blood pressure raise normally with these sorts of infections? I did keep going very warm in the face and dizzy, but normally I have issues with my blood pressure dropping, not rising!

Oh, I’m nearly 28 weeks pregnant if that counts.

ANSWER:
Usually if the top number is 140 or higher, that’s considered high and medication or some intervention is called for. For younger people (under 4), 130 or 135 is probably about as high as you want it to be. Considering you are pregnant, your numbers sound pretty good but keep an eye on it.

I was told if the bottom number is over 90, that is considered high enough that, for example, the FAA will want you to talk to a doctor about high blood pressure and treatment before they issue a pilot’s license. 80 is normal enough. 60 is excellent.

Good luck and congrats.

QUESTION:
Child has recurring blood work done, showing AST, ALT, SED RATE & BUN/CREAT RATIO high? What could this mean?
My 5 yr. old daughter has been going to a lot of test lately, to try to find out what is going on with her. Her first blood test she had done showed high AST, ALT, SED RATE & BUN/CREAT RATIO. (They were all high) The blood work was repeated 4 months later and all of them have gone up higher, some of them much higher, some of them just a little. She is now being referred to a Gasterneologist (sp?) to have further testing done. However, she cant get in til March. Her PCP said… it could mean several things, anything from her liver, kidneys or some type of cancer. Can anyone please tell me if they have blood work done that came out with all of these being high and what it was or what you were dignioused with. I dont understand how I am suppose to wait til March for my daughter to have further testing done. Is there anywhere else I can go to have her blood results interrepted and explained to me more through. Her AST is 55, ALT is 32, BUN/CREAT is 40.1 and her SED RATE is 50.
I am not looking for someone to give me a diagnious for her, over the computer. Just for some support and some information on what others may have been diagnioused with, with blood results like this.
Thank you advance to anyone that response to this. I appreciate it!!

ANSWER:
The bottom line is that blood tests can only tell you so much. It sounds like she had a basic blood panel done. The AST and ALT are liver enzymes. If they are high her liver is not functioning properly. The sedementation rate, bun, and creatinine are measures of kidney function and indicate her kidneys also are not functioning properly. She will probably need to undergo further tests or procedures or more extensive bloodwork to figure out what the specific problem is. Until then I would make sure you try your best not to tax her kidneys or liver (like don’t give her any drugs unless she absolutely needs them) and look for another specialist you can go to. There’s got to be more than one that is covered under your insurance. You don’t have to go to the specialist your PCP referred you to, there are thousands of gastroenterologists out there, but sometimes PCPs refer to a particular one because they have a good relationship with them, but you’re not locked into that particular gastroenterologist. Contact your insurance and get a list of all the GI specialists within driving distance and then call them all, make the earliest apt, and put your name on the cancellation waiting list.

QUESTION:
I am looking for NHL contacts for Bobbly Clarke, Toby Pedersen or Nick Boyton as my son has developed Diabetes?
Last weekend, he was complaining of it hurting when he pee’d. We noticed that he was drinking like crazy and wetting the bed as well. On Monday my wife had asked his family doctor to test for diabetes because of this and he was acting differently. Her sister has diabetes and she was very concerned. My wife is also a genetic carrier. They sent us home and told us they would contact us if there were any issues with his blood test, which they said they would do the next day. Unfortunately this all could have been avoided if they did the test at the office (which they can do!) rather than passing it off as a possible bladder infection. They gave us an antibiotic and sent us home.

I took him on Wed. morning to have his blood tested and then came to work. That night, my wife was at her sisters and decided to do they blood sugar test with her glucometer. His levels were at 30, which is as high as those machines go. Normal is 3-6. She called me and rushed him to the hospital. Once here, they confirmed that his levels were way above critical and admitted him in minutes. He was hooked up to Iv’s and more blood tests. His kidneys were starting to shut down and his blood sugar was at now at 39.7. He was moments away from a coma. They doctor told us that he was very close to dying that night.
It was nice of his family doctor to call us the next day and suggest that we go to the hospital…..unreal!!!
Just wanted you all to know that Curtis is doing better. His levels are coming down, and almost normal. He is probably going to be in here until Monday. He’s up and around and ready to get out of here. We are constantly meeting with counselors and dietitians to teach us how to control his levels. We need to be able to give insulin and he needs to be able to do it himself as well. I had no idea that diabetes was so involved. It’s not just giving a needle a few times a day and all is well. Only certain foods, and every portion of food needs measuring, every unit of insulin can mean a huge difference. Exercise and sickness is a whole other ballgame, but we’re learning as fast as we can.
He is very worried about his upcoming hockey season and that people may be upset with him having diabetes. We have been informed that with proper management he will have a long hockey career. We have explained that many NHL players and other professional sports players have the disease.

ANSWER:
Bobby Clarke is a huge advocate so he’s probably your best bet. Get a group of kids together (like his hockey team) and tcontact the Flyers and explain your situation. Teams have nights like that all the time and the kids get to meet the players and staff. It should be cool.

QUESTION:
i still have abdominal pain and now i have high blood pressure!?
well like i said before i was having stomach pain on my right side and lower pelvic area,i didn’t mention that i did have a cystoscopy,laparoscopy,gastroscopy,and colonoscopy,all normal. along with vaginal discharge,witch was normal. i saw my obgyn yesterday she said my uterus was in place and everything felt normal,but she cant explain my mucus discharge,and she also told me my blood pressure was very high i have, for the past few weeks now i have been experiencing heart pain liver pain kidney pain witch my doctor ran some blood test and said my kidneys and liver were fine this was back in november 2009 can it be possible that when he did the test back then it was normal because it was to early to diagnose and now that my symptoms are ALOT worse you think it Will make a difference. please im really suffering here i already changed my doctor twice should i change again

ANSWER:
get another and final expert opinion and get rid of your worries

QUESTION:
STPT/ALT Blood Test Report?
2 Days ago I had urinal and stomach pain. I went to the hospital and the doctor advised to do ultrasount and complete blood count test and SGPT/ALT – BC. Doctor told me there may chance to stone in kidney. He told there is also a a chance to some problem in liver. Because my SGPT/ALT Blood count was 71. He explained the normal SGPT/ATL Blood count in <41. I am not using alchahol and no smoking and not using any such items. I had never dioganised for jondis like problems. I am very much fear about this count. I am thinking about herpatis A, B or C. Please advise me.

ANSWER:
Never jump to concluson before the result is out.
Good luck.

QUESTION:
PLS HELP Blood test show high ast, alt, vitm b12, calicum, bun/creati, neutrophils & sed rate. Low HCT, HGB…?
My child is 5, shes been having repeated blood work done for about 6 months now, b/c some of her levels were turning up high or low for what the range is for her age. After her last blood work her PCP ran on her, he is referring her to a Gastro. Specialist. She will be going on Feb. 2nd. I am looking to see if, can get someone to explain or help me understand her blood work more through. Also, if anyone could tell me what may possible be going on with her. I am not looking for someone to give her a diagnosis. Just for someone to give me some more info on what possible could be going on with my princess. It is so hard for me to just sit here and wait til Feb. to find out more information. How is a mother suppose to do that? Her PCP did tell me that he is referring her to a specialist to see if he wants to do further testing and that her blood work results could be showing something wrong with her kidneys, liver or some kind of cancer. Cancer does run on her fathers side. His mother has had one kind of skin cancer & his grandmother on his fathers side passed away from some kind of skin cancer.
We do not want to ask more info from the family, until we know what is going on with our little girl. We dont want to get anyone worried or upset til we know more info.
I have done some research but still not understand a whole lot of it. I have read that to determine cancers, liver problems and kidney problems that you have to look at several numbers on blood work, not just one certain one.
Below I will list her blood work that say abnormal and see if someone can explain them to me better. Thank you inadvance to anyone that helps me understand what may be going on or what could be going on with my little princess. I will list her results for both her 2 past labs:

Her urine was checked as well, but just on 9/14/09. They only thing that was flagged on that test was Spec. gravity which was 1.015 (considered low)

In the doctors notes: It reads On percussion, there is dullness heard in the left lower quadrant compared to the rest of her abdomen, which is tympanic. The child has halitosis also. WHAT DOES this mean?

Other smpthoms:
Frequent urination
Not feeling like she can always empty bladder & has to go to the bathroom w/in several mins (10-15mins apart)
Several accidents prer day, cant get to the bathroom before she feels the urge to go.
Tires out easily.
Trouble gaining weight
thristy often
feels hungry often but most times cant not eat much, just a few bites, before she is full or loses appetite
Has headaches from time to time
Complains of pain in lower back at times as well as under arm pit.
Complains of abdominal pain everyday.
Acid reflux along with burps that smell like softer.

I know this is a lot, I aplogize. Just trying to provide as much detial as possible, to see if I can get any help understanding what may be going on with my little girl.
You can email me also at littlehandscreatingthefuture@yahoo.com

THANK YOU INADVANCE for any HELP you can provide me with!
Sincerely,
Worried mommy!!

ANSWER:
Dear Worried, JustMe Mom:

This is the 2nd installment of my long detailed answer for your question that is also posted in various sections e,g, Medicine, Diseases, Toddler, Preschooler. Parenting, etc. Pls note that I have included various reference sites.

To view the first installment of this answer for your similar question posted under Other- Disease section; check the site below:

The normal value for BUN is approximately 10-20, and for creatinine 0.7-1.2.

Therefore, her BUN of 13-15 is WNL. However, her Cr of 0.40-0.49 is quite low......abnormally low.

The blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test is a measure of the amount of nitrogen in the blood in the form of urea, and a measurement of renal function. Urea is a substance secreted by the liver, and removed from the blood by the kidneys.

BUN and creatinine are excreted by the kidneys and accumulate in the bloodstream when a person has kidney failure. Therefore, with renal disease, the BUN and creatinine usually both rise together. However, there are some conditions in which one rises more than the other, and some (as in your daughter's case ) where one is normal while the other is low.

Here are some possible explanations:
1) Lab error. A creatinine of 0.4- 0.5 is unusually low. Could it be incorrect? Could the lab have been having a bad day, or did someone miscopy an 0.8 as an 0.5?

2) Dehydration: if you were dehydrated at the time the lab test was done (for example, were having a GI viral illness), the BUN may have increased just due to dehydration (resulting in a high ratio), and should have come back down as soon as you had enough water in your body.

3) Heart failure or liver cirrhosis: both of these conditions can cause a high BUN/creat ratio in the absence of kidney problems.

4) Very high protein diet: a very high protein diet may increase the BUN without affecting creatinine, so that the ratio may become elevated. (Did you eat a giant steak the night before your blood test?)

5) GI bleeding: if there is a bleeding ulcer or bleeding of any type anywhere in the stomach or intestines, the BUN will rise disproportionately from the creatinine.I ncreased production of urea is seen in cases of moderate or heavy bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal(GI) tract (e.g. from ulcers). The

6) Steroids: in people taking high doses of steroid medications such as prednisone, the BUN can be elevated, causing a high calculatedBUN/creatinine ratio.

Enhanced metabolism of proteins will also increase urea production, as may be seen with high protein diets, steroid use, burns, or fevers; or kidney stones.

I'm sure that your doctor will want to repeat this test before doing anything else about it.

Acute renal failure(ARF)
It has been found to be predictive of pre-renal failure, if the BUN-to-creatinine ratio is greater than 20 or the urea-to-creatinine ratio>0.10 and urea>10.

When the ratio of BUN to creatinine (BUN:Cr) is greater than 20, the patient is suspected of having prerenal azotemia. This means that the pathologic process is unlikely to be due to intrinsic kidney damage.

In addition, in children, a BUN/creatinine ratio of 30 or above has a sensitivity of 68.8% for upper GI bleeding and a specificity of 98%.

Elevated BUN with very low creatinine is possibly indicative of early acute renal/kidney failure.

For accuracy of determination of kidney/renal disease or dysfunction; she would need a 24- hr urine collection for creatinine clearance.

A 24-hr urine collection for creatinine clearance is a more accurate diagnostic tool for early renal/ kidney disease.

Sometimes, in more than one instances; the high BUN: Cr ratio is most typically the result of being dehydrated when she had the blood work done.
So most likely insignificant assuming that the creatinine value is normal. In other words when a ‘healthy’ patient has a high BUN and low Cr, it’s typically an indication that you’ve not been drinking enough water. It’s hardly something to worry about.

The problem here coupled with high hepatic panel ( high AST and ALT) There is a need to do another test for alkaline phosphatase. To confirm any abnormality results.

I don’t want to get all too technical with you, but let’s assume she has an elevated Bilirubin level on the Liver Panel, a low alk phos effectively rules out an obstruction of the common bile duct.

So, now it will involve your internist doing some imaging, serology and perhaps additional tests to figure out why there’s a problem with your liver panel.

I think that the ultrasound is a reasonable thing to do. It’ll most likely be normal or may show gallstones (which you shouldn’t worry about if she’s asymptomatic).

If you get the radiologist’s report suspecting and suggesting she might have some “hypoechoic or hypotenuse lesions or hemangiomas, and recommend f/u ( follow-up) with triple phase CT/MRI”. Don’t get freaked out. These are extremely common, benign lesions.

The false positive findings can lead to unecessary anxiety and further testing.

Because multiple variables can interfere with the interpretation of a BUN value, GFR and creatinine clearance are more accurate markers of kidney function. Age, sex, and weight will alter the “normal” range for each individual, including race.

In renal failure or chronic kidney disease (CKD), BUN will only be elevated outside “normal” when more than 60% of kidney cells are no longer functioning. Hence, more accurate measures of renal function are generally preferred to assess the clearance for purposes of medication dosing.

http://www.answers.com/topic/azotemia

Calcium:

All cells need calcium in order to work. Calcium helps build strong bones and teeth. It is important for heart function, and helps with muscle contraction, nerve signaling, and blood clotting.
Drinking too much milk or taking too much vitamin D as a dietary supplement can also increase calcium levels.

Hypercalcemia( high blood Ca) is a disorder that most commonly results from malignancy or primary hyperparathyroidism. Other causes of elevated calcium are less common and usually are not considered until malignancy and parathyroid disease are ruled out.

The pain on her lower back might be due to UTI or kidney problem.( also related to DM- diabetes) Her halitosis( her burps smell of sulfur) can also be attributed to this kidney or GI problems. Hiccoughing( hiccups) in acute renal failure patients is common due to the toxins not adequately eliminated by the malfunctioning kidney.

Breath odor and persistent hiccups are among the symptoms of acute renal failure.

Her abdominal pains and poor appetite might also be attributed to some liver disease or GI problems. Her acid reflux might also be due to GERD ( gastroesophageal reflux disease) and IBS( irritable Bowel Syndrome) Thus the frequent burps. Hope; the doctor will plan to do a liver biopsy and an ultrasound.

If abdominal pain or signs of peritonitis are localized in the left lower quadrant, the suspicion is increased for such conditions as colitis, diverticulitis, ureteral colic or pain due to ovarian cysts or pelvic inflammatory disease.(PID) or splenic disorder ( evidenced by the spleen- dullness upon percussion of the left lower quadrant ( LLQ).

Examples of tumors in the left lower quadrant include colon cancer or ovarian tumor.

Vitamin B12, also called cobalamin, is a water soluble vitamin with a key role in the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system, and for the formation of blood.

Although deficiency is far more common than excess when it comes to vitamin B12 status; cases have been reported where blood levels exceeded 3000 picograms/milliliter. Such high levels may be caused by bacterial overgrowth and a condition called Vit B12 Overload.

Moreover, for her high Vit B12 levels; the gastroenterologist might need to perform a new endoscopy, in order to dismiss or rule out the diagnosis of Crohn’s disease or Celiac disease.

http://www.yourhealthbase.com/vitamin_B12.html#overload

.

QUESTION:
Protein in my urine? Im really worried?
Im 14, 115 pounds, 5’5 and currently on my period.
I went to the doctor today for a check-up and i had a blood-test and the doctor said there was protein in it. They want me to run firther tests to check my kidneys… Can someone explain to me what could be wrong with them?
Also ive gained about 10 pounds sice i started my first period.. is this normal? I used to weigh 105 in april.

ANSWER:

QUESTION:
why do I have to keep having a blood test?
I went to the Dr’s a couple of months ago with a water infection I was really ill, the Dr sent me for a blood test then I had a letter to go back and have another one. Then another came for me to have an repeat blood test again today. I asked the nurse why this was happening and she said my blood plates are low which is showing an infection.This has really worried me because I keep feeling light headed,pains in my kidneys and feel tired, this is freaking me out now, can anyone explain what might be wrong. I cannot get to see my Dr till next week and its really worrying me .

ANSWER:

QUESTION:
My dog has been having severe allergic reactions, can anyone help.?
I have went to 4 different vets in 2 weeks, and so far no one can explain why my dog has almost lost her life to a severe allergic reaction that almost closed her breathing passages. My dog has had blood in her urine, and her tummy is red and hot. I have done everything humanly possible and avoided any trigger for allergies, my floor and anything in her reach is spotless & chemical/dye free. She is on antibiotics but she is still passing blood, her blood test have came up normal . My mom thinks it was the tainted dog food, but is on a mild home-made diet from the vet but only a little better, also her kidneys tested normal. Her hemoglobin (red blood cells) were up. She cleared up with prednisone but they won’t leave her on it, and I’m afriad she’ll go into another attack. Please remember before leaving comments, I have taken her to many vets. Thank you all.

ANSWER:
Try taking her to a holistic vet, if there is one near wear you live. Other things you could try is switching your dog to a raw food diet, either home made or pre-made from a company such as Nature’s Variety. If you do decide to go home made you should do some research first. Another idea is to add either Organic Apple Cider Vinegar or Coconut Oil to her food, read these website to find out more info.

http://www.earthclinic.com/Pets/acvfordogs.html

http://www.coconutoil-online.com/pets.htm

I hope this helps.
Sloane

QUESTION:
Can someone from australia please explain the medicare system to me ?
I understand the whole bulk billing thing but i have been sick this year with glandular fever, a kidney infection, and a chest infection that spread to my heart. All of these things needed blood tests, urine tests and an ECG. That means that i have been to the doctor at least 10 times this year. Am i going to be charged in any way for using a bulk billing clinic too much ?

ANSWER:
No. You can be bulked billed as many times as you need.
Certain tests do have thresholds though. For example if you are pregnant, you can only get one ultrusound every 4 weeks under medicare.

If you have a referral for blood, urine, ecg tests from a doctor or specialist you should be able to get it free under medicare. You can see the doctor at your clinic as many times as you want, you won’t be charged for using it too much.

If you are unsure, just visit a medicare office and they will let you know.

i noticed my testicals reduce in size last year, i had a slight discomfert and the doc checked me for that conditions, where your balls rotate and cut the blood supply, but he said i was ok, and he gave me some anti swelling pills, which didnt help, but the pain went away on its own later.

now i feel my testicals are smaller in size, infact i know they are, when im cold they rise , and it just looks weired, but when its hot they sort of hang at the leval of the penis, not below.

i recently visited the doctor again, and explained to him how im really weak, and have been having way too much sex, and am sure its becoz of that, he checked me , and said ur testicals are still fine, u just need to start taking some multi vitamin, bla bla. and he didnt treat the matter seriously. what do i do? my blood screenin tests were fine, liver kidneys, etc etc..doc says im healthy, but i know im not, m getin weeker and skinnier..help!
no i dont have hiv, and yes iv been tested for all horomones.. thats why the docs wudnt may much attention. if i get my rest and completly stop touching that area, do u think my size will increase? even a bit?

ANSWER:
I’d go to a different doc and tell him about everything, not just the testicle issues. Have your thyroid checked. Have you been checked for HIV? You said you were having a lot of sex. Maybe you just need to eat and sleep more.

QUESTION:
What this is mean? Please help me to understand?
I am a 31 years male. Doc found blood in my urine in dipstick test. But in microscopic UA there was no blood. This is what doc did
1. Asked me to go to rest room and pee. Added some jelly like substance on my belly and did some ULTRA SOUND like test and told me that “you have nicely empty your bladder”

2, Did a DRE and told me “your prostate looks good”

3. Then took blood for Kidney and PSA test. Within 20 mins lab gave me Kidney test result and it was normal. They said it will take some time to get PSA result ( may be days)

4. Also, doc ordered CT scan with contrast for abdomen and pelvis. I will do this next week.

Could you please explain me what above 4 tests and their result mean? I was reading prostrate cancer and i saw DRE and PSA are the test. But did not understand purpose CT scan test.

ANSWER:
Ultrasound looked at bladder emptying, which was fine.
Blood tests suggest your prostate is normal (along with exam/DRE) and kidney function is normal
CT is likely to rule out kidney stones (common source of blood in urine).

Having a dipstick show “blood” but then none evident on micro exam can mean there is hemoglobin spilling in your urine for sa variety of reasons or could mean lab error or just a transient episode of blood in urine that resolved between dipstick and micro. Would suggest if nothing shows up on CT, that the micro and dipstick be repeated and if still not in sync, get referral to a primary doc to work this up further.

Blessings

QUESTION:
REALLY NEED advice here?
i got blood tests done now i am pregnant, and usually the midwife calls out to explain if i miss appointment.these test for everything from Iron to STI’S i was working late on monday and missed the appointment to get my results.she rescheduled
me for 2 weeks time and said it was very important i attend.so today the nurse called me and said i have to get heart, liver and kidney test done agin for what meds they are putting me on.she said everything was perfect and my magnesium was low a bit, i aske d if it was any of the std’s and she said if it had been a gp wud have called me.what does this sound like??

ANSWER:
sounds like everything is fine,
no news is good news
if there was something wrong they would’ve told you

QUESTION:
Had 4/5 UTI’s in the last 2/3 months!! Maybe try not using condoms if i’m on the pill?
Can condoms have an affect on whether or not you get UTI’s. I’ve been sexually active with my boyfriend for 2/3 months and I’ve had 4 or 5 in this time!! I’m on the pill (changing to Cilest on Friday) and we use condoms everytime. My doctors given me lube and non-spermacide condoms, but we use them anyway and I’m not that dry during sex. I’ve already had a blood test to check kidneys etc and is all clean so it’s sexually related and I pee before and after sex. If we both get tested for STI’s/HIV and are both clean, do you think we should try using the extra lube anyway and without condoms (plus I really want to)??? Too long to explain, but I CAN’T have another UTI (god no more, I’m only 18!!).

ANSWER:
UTI’s totally SUCK! One thing you could do to help prevent them is go to a health food store and get 100 percent cranberry juice (not “100 percent juice” – it has to be 100 percent CRANBERRY juice only”) There is a brand called “Just Cranberry.” It will be about 7 or 8 bucks for a quart, but if you drink just 4 oz. a day (size of 4 shot glasses) it will help prevent the infections.

QUESTION:
Statistics, Interference for the mean?
Need help. Very confused, prof is good for nothing and classes are pointless. Please explain if you have the time?

The level of various substances in the blood of kidney dialysis patients is of concern because kidney failure and dialysis can lead to nutritional problems. A researcher performed blood tests on several dialysis patients on 6 consecutive clinic visits. One variable measured was the level of phosphate in the blood. Phosphate levels for an individual tend to vary normally over time. The data on one patient, in milligrams of phosphate per deciliter (mg/dl) of blood, are given here: 5.9, 5.0, 6.3, 4.0, 5.7, 4.4

a) Calculate the sample mean and its standard error.

xbar=____ S xbar=_____

b) Use the t procedures to find the margin of error for a 90% confidence interval for this patient’s mean phosphate level.

QUESTION:
19 weeks pregnant blood in urine but no infection?
I am 19 weeks pregnant for the past 5 weeks i have had blood detected in my urine at the Dr’s but no sign of infection.
on the 2nd time they detected it Dr gave me course of antibiotics just in case ;-/

On friday my Dr decided to send my urine off to the laboratories to test further.

on friday night i had lot of pain in my kidney region so i went to the out of hours Dr and explained to him what had been going on.

He tested my urine and said yes there is loads of blood cells in this and sometime thats all that is needed to indicate infection so a kidney infection was diagnosed and a weeks supply of antibiotics given.

So today i call my Dr’s for the results of the lab test on my urine and they said its come back normal!!!

so where is thsi blood comeing from… called my midwife who says when im in net Wednesday to see the consultant who may want to scan my kidneys but PLEASE if you know anything about this or have had this blood in urine help! im really worried ;-c

PS this is 3rd baby never had problems in previous pregnancies

Thanks x

ANSWER:
I always have blood showing up – but I have a small bit of cervical errosion which is where its coming from. Dont worry its nothing significant, could be from when you have sex and your cervix gets rubbed.

QUESTION:
CANINE EPILEPSY AND DOG SEIZURES?
I have a question for anyone who is a dog professional or someone who has experienced this.

My 1 1/2 year old chocolate lab experience what I believe to be a Partial seizure. She is normally a VERY hyper active, always in your face, over the top dog. ( she is a lab, remember ) I came home for lunch around 12:30, she greeted me as normal, right at the door, tail wagging, up my butt so to speak. I sat down on the couch, she climbed up and laid down next to me, and then she snapped her head back onto my lap and her whole body started to shake. Her back legs were worse than the rest of her body. she was yelping like she was hurt. After about a min or so, she calmed down, but her back legs didn’t. They kept tremoring. She appeared conscious but very dazed. After that I put pressure on all of her back legs, front legs, head, belly, and she showed no sign of pain. no yelping, no favoring a spot i touched. I immediately called the vet, and she said to bring her in. For the rest of the day, she layed in her crate where she usually goes when shes not feeling well ( she has a very sensitive stomach she she throws up a lot – also checked out by my vet ) When i got home from work, she didnt greet me. she was just on the couch, looking at me in the doorway. I came over and sat down and she tried to greet me, but the tremors started again. I then called my vet and said she needed to come in. I brought her down, explained all of this to my vet. They did a blood test of her liver, kidney, cell count and all that because they wanted to rule out her ingesting something toxic. Everything came back normal. She had a slight fever, and her gums were more pink than usual. ( they were never pale, nor foaming at the mouth ). Vet said to monitor her and if it happened again for more than 3 min, take her to an emergency hospital tonight.

This is where im confused. When we got home she seemed normal. Was greeting visitors and family members fine. When it was time to feed her, She would not sit for me. ( i am a dog trainer and my dog will sit on command for anything – especially food )It took me 5 minuets to finally get her to sit. After she ate, I put slight pressure again on her back legs and she yelped and turned around and snapped at me. She was not experiencing any pain in her back legs prior to the vets. I was leaning twords that she had a seizure, but now im highly confused as to why she is experience hip/leg pain, and severe. If anyone knows anything on seizures and if back/hip/leg pain is common with it, I would greatly appreciate any advise you have.

Thank you again
My vets exact were ” all dogs are allowed one seizure before we talk about putting them on anti-seizure medication ”

just another fyi on this..

ANSWER:
There are many causes of seizures, Epilepsy is the most common cause of seizures in a dog, and other causes include liver disease, kidney failure, poisoning, thyroid dysfunction, infection, head injury and brain tumors.

Write down the time of day, how long it lasted and what exactly happened to your dog each and every time in detail. I would also have a camcorder charged and ready so that when and if it happens again you can video it and show it to the vet as it would be very beneficial for the vet to actually see what is going on with him.

Seizures can be diagnosed by blood work, possibly CAT and MRI scans and an electrocardiogram (EKG), if he/she is having seizures they can be very mild to very strong, just staring into space, biting at air, drooling, running, stiffing of the legs, tremors, paddling of the legs and feet, loss of bodily functions or unconsciousness.

If a dog is having seizures, and is having more than 1 a month, or if the seizures intensify at all, the vet would put him on a medication, more than likely Phenobarbital. This would have to be taken for the rest of her life. Seizures can be controlled by medications

Generally the medication recommended by vets is Phenobarbital. Keep in mind that once the medication regiment starts that it will take about 1-2 weeks for her to become regulated to the medications. During this time she will be a little out of sorts.

You should not give the medication right after a seizure as it can take some dogs only a minute to recover while others can take hours. After a seizure some dogs act like their old selves while others can seem groggy and confused. Give the medications at the same time every day… Speak with your vet.

As to how to help….

During a seizure dim the lights and turn off any noise, such as radios and the TV. You want to keep everything as quiet and calm as possible. You can gently pat the dog’s sides and abdomen while speaking softly to your dog.

During a seizure.. Although very emotionally draining on the owner to watch, the dog is in no pain and after he has recovered will not even know that anything has happened. It is the same when a person has a seizure, until someone tells them they had one they have no idea one has occurred.

Also while your dog is having a seizure you can rub some Karo Syrup on the dog’s gums..(I don’t recommend pouring it down the dog’s throat as the dog could choke.). it helps to bring the dog out of the seizure and to recover sooner. This is for smaller breeds that are apt to be hypoglycemic.

While the dog is having a seizure you can place an ice pack on his lower back.. it helps so that the seizure is not that strong and that the dog will come out of it sooner and recover quicker … here is a link to help http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com/icepack.htm

When your dog has come out of a seizure and can eat ….you can give 1 tbsp of Haagen Daz vanilla ice cream in case the dog was hypoglycemic.. the ice cream will help the dog recover sooner. Haagen Daz Ice cream has no preservatives which is best for the dog as it is all natural. The reason why it works in a dog that may be hypoglycemic is that the sugar crystals are frozen and slowly dissolve at different intervals to bring the sugar level back to a safe level.

Here is some information about seizures

There are 3 phases of a seizure:

1) The pre-ictal phase, or aura, is a period of altered behavior in which the dog may hide, appear nervous, or seek out the owner. It may be restless, nervous, whining, shaking or salivating. This may last a few seconds to a few hours.

2) The ictal phase is the seizure itself and last from a few seconds to about 5 minutes. During this period, all of the muscles of the body contract strongly. The dog usually falls on its side and seems paralyzed while shaking. The head will be drawn backward. Urination, defecation, and salivation often occur. If it is not over within 5 minutes, the dog is said to be in the status epilepticus or prolonged seizure.

3) During the post-ictal phase, there is confusion, disorientation, salivation, pacing, restlessness, and/or temporary blindness. There is no direct correlation between the severity of the seizure and the duration of the post-ictal phase.

Some dogs can come out of this phase in a few minutes and other can take hours.

Remember that seizures can be controlled if given their medications and can live long happy lives.

QUESTION:
NCAH and PCOS.. Please help!!!!?
hi everyone. I was hoping for any insight or help on my situation. Im 23 and at 16 I was diagnosed with PCOS.. the extra hair growth and a 30 pound weight gain, and blood work showing high testosterone, explained my then dr was classic PCOS.. the only thing that never showed were cysts around my ovaries. Fast forward 7 years, being on Meteformin and Spirnolactone on and off.. no solution has been found.. after i was diagnosed I had regular periods for about 5 years with little or no medication.. now they have disappeared again.. My mother works in a dr’s office and has brought up the possibility of NCAH.. primarily because it can be misdiagnosed as pcos, and because there’s a prevalence for kidney problems on my fathers side.. and when i had blood tests done my dr said my cortisol levels were on the high but normal side.. If anyone has any advice it would be greatly appreciated!!!
*sorry that this is longg*!
thanx kan.. I follow a decent diet.. and have been tested for Insulin Resistance, my insulin tests came back normal but i was put on metformin anyway because of the positive effects it has on PCOS patients

ANSWER:
You might want to go in and have your labs re done. You may still have PCOS and you have just become resistant to the meds. If you are menstruating normally you more than likely would not have cysts. You may also want to look into a diabetic diet because PCOS has a lot to do with insulin resistance. Good luck

QUESTION:
Long term neurological(?) problems, need advice regarding another MRI?
I assure you that I’m not a hypochondriac of any sort, just trying to understand what has been going on for so many years. I know it’s a lot to read, but I am desperate for advice.

My Symptoms:
* Sudden dizzy spells, seemingly random (Not related to body position, food/drink, time of day, etc. Cannot find a common cause – even sitting at the computer, these spells can strike without warning.)
Dizziness easily aggravated by camera movement in games/media, but then again, this happens to many people?

* Constant “uncomfortable” feeling in the back of the head, not quite a headache (not a sharp pain, and does not throb)

* Poor balance, sometimes unintentionally leaning when standing or walking. Especially bad on stairs. (Fell down stairs 5 years ago, broke ankle, could not go to hospital due to lack of medical coverage. Seems to have set incorrectly, still causes pain now, but that does not matter. Just explaining because I think the fall was related to the dizziness/balance issues)

* Unrelated? inconsistent periods spanning long before these problems – can go several months with none, then spend 1-3 solid months bleeding (most recent period spanned from Dec 5 to Feb 22)
* Unrelated? rash spreading across neck, does not respond to over-the-counter treatments for eczema, psoriasis, or fungal infections.

I thought after my first MRI that it was all “in my head” (no pun intended) and was ready to give up on it, but my symptoms have not gone away.

My doctor scheduled me for another MRI (this time with contrast) but I do not want to go if the results will be clean again.. It is EXTREMELY expensive for my family, and I honestly could not live with myself if I wasted ,000 or so for nothing.

Please don’t tell me “You cannot put a price on health” and things like that — please, just tell me if, in your medical opinion, this sounds like a brain tumor. I need to confirm (or cancel) my appointment before Tuesday, March 8, 2011.

Sincerest thanks for any information you can provide. I don’t know where else to turn.
@niotaze – Thank you for your answer – though I have never been on anti-depressants (or any other prescription). I hope it’s not MS or a tumor. You think I should go for the second MRI then?

ANSWER:
lyme tests are so poor they are near worthless. LLMD’s diagnose it by symptom and not rely on a test altho they may want a Western blot from Igenex to confirm. Dont even think of another test elsewhere. Biggest problem is finding the right LLMD to treat you!!!! That is ”’lyme literate medical doctor”’=LLMD

QUESTION:
I have been taking metformin for 2 months now, and last week I experienced two hypoglycemic attacks with bm’s?
I have been taking metformin for 2 months now, and last week I experienced two hypoglycemic attacks with bm’s around 3.3 and 2.4. However, I continued taking metformin for the next 2-3 days until I saw my GP on Monday. She took me off metformin to see if it was the reason my blood sugar was dropping. However, I am not diabetic, I take metformin for PCOS and insulin resistence. The last two days that I have not been on it, I have gained 4lbs *pounds, in body weight, and also I had a bad hypoglycemic attack today where my parents had to sit me down and give me a few spoons of honey to get me back into ‘normal mode’.
Tomorrow, my mom is ringing the GP, and explaining this situation. What do you think the GP would say? Would she put me back onto metformin? She is already giving me a blood test (for diabetes, kidney, liver etc) next Tuesday, however. I don’t get my results for that until the following tuesday, but next sunday (5 days after the blood test, but before the results, I am leaving for boarding school). I’m not sure what to do.
Shall I take metformin tomorrow morning? Please answer. I’ll give 10 points to the best answer.
I am worrying so much!

ANSWER:
Yes , I would still take Metformin. But I would start on a low carb diet . I can’t count carbs , so i use mendosa’s glycemic index diet. In one week you will know what to eat and what not to eat and how much.http://www.mendosa.com/gilists.htm

Exercise will lower your insulin resistance . Walking is fine but Nordic walking is great.
Description
Nordic walking combines simplicity and accessibility of walking with simultaneous core and upper body conditioning similar to Nordic skiing. The result is a full-body walking workout that can burn significantly more calories without a change in perceived exertion or having to walk faster, due to the incorporation of many large core and other upper-body muscles which comprise more than 90% of the body’s total muscle mass and do work against resistance with each stride. “Normal walking” utilizes only 70% of muscle mass with full impact on the joints of the legs and feet. [

Nordic walking produces up to a 46% increase in energy consumption compared to walking without poles.[2] It can also increase upper body muscle endurance by 38% in just twelve weeks. [3]

Benefits
Compared to regular walking, Nordic walking involves applying force to the poles with each stride. Nordic walkers use more of their entire body (with greater intensity) and receive fitness building stimulation not as present in normal walking for the chest, lats, triceps, biceps, shoulder, abdominals, spinal and other core muscles. This extra muscle involvement leads to enhancements over ordinary walking at equal paces such as:

increased overall strength and endurance in the core muscles and the entire upper body
significant increases in heart rate at a given pace [4]
greater ease in climbing hills
burning more calories than in plain walking
improved balance and stability with use of the poles
significant unweighting of hip, knee and ankle joints (depending on the style used)
density-preserving stress to bones of the upper and mid body
increased stride length and walking speed
I use two plain ol’ sticks.
Try low carb snacks between meals . this will help stop Hypoglycemia.

Good luck

Tin

QUESTION:
Vet won’t tell the truth about cat and making up diagnosis?
i’m typing on an iphone so sorry about punctuation, etc.
So on monday, my cat (2 yr old male) got neutered. By tuesday morning he was doing horrible and developing jaundice. We called the people who neutered him and they referred us to their sister clinic because they were booked. the vets at the clinic were rude and wouldn’t let us see our cat, acting like it was OUR fault this happened. They did a blood test and besides being a little anemic he was doing fine. His liver was even in good shape. They decided his liver is just “weak” and gave us an IV to do at home and scheduled another follow up appointment.
The IV was helping, but when we went to the vet again, our cat recognized the place where the people took him away and poked him with needles, so he started crying and wouldn’t leave his carrier. Then on top of it, they gave us a new vet unfamiliar with the case who got second hand information from a nurse, and this new vet just flat out said “his kidneys are failing” and told us he would die. When we pointed out that his health problems may be due to an anesthesia overdose, she got defensive of her clinic and wrote it off as acute renal failure, even though his kidney enzymes were fine in the blood work from the day before.
She didn’t do an x-ray, urinalysis, ultrasound, anything. She just felt around his abdomen, and decided it was his kidneys. Then they made us pay for MORE bloodwork.
Their machine wasn’t working, so we didn’t get the results until today (24 hrs. later) and she just called us and said “he’s definitely going to die soon, his kidney enzymes were a little elevated.” and wouldn’t listen when we tried to explain that the cat has none of the kidney failure symptoms and was actually getting better, that it really seems like they gave him too much anesthesia when he was neutered.
They keep telling us different things (in the last 2 days it’s gone from liver to maybe gallbladder to kidneys) and backpedaling. It seems fishy because their sister clinic did the surgery and anesthetized him, and they act really defensive when we ask if it was due to either the rabies vaccine they gave him or the anesthesia. They get mad and write it off, acting like we don’t care about our cat (when in truth, he’s one of the things i care about most).
Again, he has none of the renal failure symptoms, he is urinating normally, drinking normal amounts of water, and has begun to eat food again. The jaundice is gone as well. He seems so be bouncing back quite well, we thought he was a goner on Tuesday, and now it’s Saturday morning and he’s almost returned to full health.
We’re supposed to return to the vet today for another follow up, but he seems to get traumatized when we enter the vet’s office and seems more sick than he is because he just goes to the back of his carrier and cries for us, refusing water from the vet, peeing on the floor, etc.
I don’t think putting him back in what he feels is a scary setting is beneficial, and these vets seem like they’re just making up every diagnosis, but they’re insisting we come in today to run more tests, despite the fact he’s eating, being with our other cats, walking around the house, and acting relatively normal besides the fact he’s not going outside and doesn’t have his full energy back after being ill for a week.
They won’t be clear about what happened…what should we do? They keep trying to tell us he’s dying when he’s getting better. Help?

ANSWER:
I would FIRE! this unprofessional, disrespectful and unsympathetic vet and staff who are acting like they are just in it for the $. It is their obligation to make time to see a patient that is having difficulties after a surgery they have performed and not give you the run around. It is also their medical, ethical and moral obligation to run tests on their patient, before their surgery, to make sure they are healthy enough to safely undergo anesthesia. The plethora of illnesses they diagnosed after the surgery, should of been diagnosed before the surgery, not after.

The reason your kitty was afraid to go back to the vet, besides all of the procedures he had to undergo, it is because of the overwhelming different animal scents. I would keep an eye on my cat and make sure he is healthy, #1 priority. I don’t blame you for being upset, but get rid of this vet and find a new vet who is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM). They are the only ones qualified to diagnose medical problems, prescribe medication and treatment, and perform surgeries. The nurse was not qualified to diagnose anything without the supervision of a DVM. I think she was just doing whatever to make you go away.

When everything settles down, I would report them to the Better Business Bureau and American Association of Veterinary State Board, (you can do it on line). This way, you have a record in case anything happens. They won’t do a whole lot, but it is like making a police report, to have a record to fall back on in case you decide to sue. The 1st website below lists symptoms of Kidney Failure (Renal), 2nd is liver disease and the 3rd is symptoms of over anesthesia. I hope this helps and your kitty is healthy. Good luck.

QUESTION:
I’ve had kidney pain on & off for 4 months?
I’m 24 I’ve had an ultrasound, urine tests, blood work over the course of 4 months. Finally, a Gyno said it might be endometriosis I had a laparoscopy and there was no endo. Now, a month later after the surgery the same dull ache is back. I went to the doctors and explained I know I have a UTI I have all the symptoms (burning frequency urinate all that). And, of course the doctor prescribed Bactrim. I’m on my final pill the pain hasn’t went away.

What im confused of is why did my kidneys hurt before there was sign of infection? My flank pain has persist for months however the doctors never until this Monday prescribed and antibiotic for an infection. Is there any reason or complication of the kidneys that cause pain without the infection?
Any help or knowledge is really appreciated.

ANSWER:
I to also had a lot ot the same symptoms that you are having. Have the doctors checked inside your bladder for Endrometriosis? It is very rare to have developed inside the bladder but it does happen. I know I suffered for over a year and went to multiple doctors all around the town where i live and finally went to a research hospital and stayed 10 days going thru all kinds of test. The Urologist did find endrometriosis inside my bladder at the time was uncommon and I went thru 5 surgeries within 12 months. One right after the other. Some times it will develope in areas of the body that no one suspects. If U have health insurance ask your regular doctor to refer u to a doctor @ a research hospital and ask to be tested for everything possible. Push the doctors for tests,tests and more test before it’s to late. After all it is your body and your health. Good Luck to you and I hope u will find your answer and some relief.

QUESTION:
What does my liver and kidneys have to do with my bladder?
I had what I thought to be a bladder infection for a week now. I attempted to take over the counter meds and the old fashion cranberry juice and water remedy. However, this morning I woke up and decided it was time to see the Dr. I felt nauseated, dizzy, tired yet overwhelmed.
After testing my urine he concluded it was not a bladder infection. However, the bladder may be reflecting something with my liver or kidneys. So, they took blood and want me to follow up in 2 days. Meds were given and I’m now home in wonder…

Can anyone explain what the three have in common?
How and what would cause the liver OR kidneys OR both to effect the bladder?

Thanks in advance for any information.

ANSWER:
This is a pretty in depth question. First the kidneys are directly connected to the bladder, the ureters are two thin tubes that drain urine into the bladder which stores the urine until urination occurs. If you had a problem with your kidneys you will most likely have a problem with your urine or bladder, but this could also affect blood pressure.

The liver is the main source of detoxification within the body, if there were some problem with it you may have certain toxins in the body eventually excreted through the kidneys than the bladder. Some of these toxins could irritate the bladder of urethra.

I would really need more information to give you a more specific answer.

QUESTION:
Picture of my dog, Is her eyes a sign of any medical condition?
My girl was put to sleep today, she was 16. She has always been happy and healthy but last night had a seizure, The vets kept her in and she had another one, they said the medication they gave her to bring her out didn’t work and it knocked her out, It was best for her to be put to sleep. I am devastated.

They said it could have been brought on by anything, liver disease, kidney disease etc. Her blood tests were negative for somethings and they would have to take her to another hospital if I wanted more tests which wouldn’t have been good for her as the treatment wasn’t working.

So now shes gone, and I don’t actually know why. I was looking at her pictures just now and noticed her eyes are funny in a few, I know sometimes your eyes show medical conditions. What do you guys think? She was going blind, so this could explain her eyes but im hoping someone with more knowledge could help me.

Thanks

ANSWER:
You know dogs are the most important thing when you have one. Its like nothing else matters, you’d just be happy with you and your pal =) But then, when you lose all of that, you KNOW its all gone….its just painful thinking about it…you cry, you smile. But nothing changes. I had a boy shitzhu, 17 years old. Died over blindness…old age. The worst thing that ever happened to me, words cannot describe. I treated him like the world, i swear when i saw him i used to say ‘He must be the happiest dog in the world’ and then i was sure i was the happiest little girl in the world. But it was until i found out he passed away….when i was 7. I’m so sorry for your loss and you can see i’m pouring out my feelings. At least she’s safe, blessed, happy and no longer suffering. And no matter what she knows that you love her

QUESTION:
3 year old girl with strong back pain. Our 3 year old daughter has bad back pain and has so for months. ?
She has had the pain for months now and has been through multiple urine tests, blood work, MRI’S, Ultra sounds or her kidneys, stomach, bladder, and every where in between. the MRI was on her spine and nothing has been found. At any given time she will drop to her knees and bear down when the pain comes. she grabs at the middle of her back and begins to push down. This mostly results in her having to run to the bathroom due to pushing while trying to counter the pain she is experiencing. She has been through the gauntlet of tests and no one can explain the pain or help her. Please if you have any suggestions don’t hold back. The doctors have said they are out of ideas so please help if you can.

ANSWER:
Sorry I can’t help more, but I just want to say keep pushing the doctors.

When I was 16, I had horrible pain all over my body. I couldn’t do any physical activity, I had to drop out of school (I later got my diploma) and was bedridden.

For 2 years, the doctors were baffled and couldn’t offer any explanation. Finally, after 2 years of GRUELING tests (and even 6 months where I had to go get a shot once a week) and being misdiagnosed countless times, I finally had my answer: Fibromyalgia.

It shouldn’t have gotten so bad but the reason it did was the doctors misdiagnosed me and put me in a wheelchair, so my muscles atrophied and grew very weak, complicating my disability.

Today, after being bedridden for 2 years as a teen, I am 23 years old. I’m married, I have a family, and I own my own business. I still have my disability, but I manage it pretty well.

I guess the point of my story is DO NOT stop pushing those doctors. This went on with me for 2 years and God bless my mother she didn’t quit. I still thank her for that today. Keep going back until they help your daughter.

Good luck.

QUESTION:
Need urological advice!?
I am in need of some advice regarding my 6 month old daughter’s urological treatment. To make a very long story as short as possible, she had what doctors diagnosed as a hydronephrotic right ureter that was so enlarged it was causing notable distention in her abdomen and displacement of her bladder. After numerous diagnostic tests (blood work, ultrasounds, renal scans, VCUGs, several x-rays, and a CT-scan), she had surgery at the end of February and pediatric urologists performed a ureterostomy (in hopes of decompressing the dilated ureter). The surgery was unsuccessful in that the stoma did not allow for the output of urine as hoped, and doctors said it was because the ureter was so dialed and “coiled“ around itself. Because of this, during her recovery time in the hospital, she became very ill from a post-surgical infection. Doctors quickly inserted a nephrostomy tube into her right kidney to directly drain the blocked urine. This worked as a temporary solution in draining the blocked urine, but as we learned, would not serve as a permanent solution.

Fast forward two months, and follow up tests (ultrasounds and renal scans) suggest that she may have a duplicate system on the right side, which doctors were unable to appreciate before because of how enlarged the ureter was pre-surgery. Kidney function remains the same as it was pre-surgery, 19% ( R ), 81 % ( L ). All of the specialists at the hospital are unable to determine where the blockage is in the system, and they can’t positively say if it is a single, duplicate, or partially duplicate right system. Based on the images from tests, they are assuming that it is a duplicate system and that the nephrostomy tube was inserted into the lower pole, and the ureter brought to the skin during the ureterostomy belongs to the upper pole. However, within the past week, urine has begun leaking (or rather, splurging, like a water faucet) out of the previously non-draining stoma) suggestive of a single system. This new clinical occurrence is not supported by the evidence suggested in the post-surgical images.

We met with the doctor today and he explained that this is a very rare and unusual case, and they aren’t sure exactly what they are dealing with. He laid out the following choices:

* Cap the nephrostomy tube and see if the urine drains from the stoma (and we run the risk that she may get sick again)
* Insert a second nephrostomy tube into the upper pole (which would also entail changing the first neprhostomy tube she already had inserted, because of its short-term effectiveness = 2 surgeries)
* Perform an MRI in attempt to obtain clearer images (which would require sedation and further exposure to radiation)
* Change the nephrostomy tube at the three month mark and attempt to do a reconstructive surgery on the bladder by reattaching the ureter (the soonest this surgery can be done is at 18 months, before then the bladder is too small. The nephrostomy tube would have to be changed every 3 months in the mean time.)
* Perform a nephrectomy and completely remove the right kidney.
* Get a second opinion (I would like to get a second opinion, but I’m afraid that any other doctor would want to perform his own tests on her, and she has already been through so much. Also, she is receiving treatment at one of the best hospitals in the country, so I don’t know how helpful going somewhere else would be.)

The doctor said that if she were his daughter, he would chose to remove the kidney and spare her from any more tests and/or procedure and just put an end to it. He also said that, God forbid, in the horrible, unforeseen event that something were to happen to her “good kidney”, she would not really benefit from having the “bad” kidney (with only 19% function). (In other words, it would only postpone dialysis and a transplant, not prevent them all together.)

Again, my daughter is only 6 months old and has already had to endure two surgeries, blood tests, catheters, IVS, CT-scans, and x-rays with a lot of radiation exposure. At this point, doctors don’t even know what they are dealing with. Is it worth it in the long run to continue the tests and surgeries to try and salvage a kidney that only has 19% function? Her left kidney is “normal”, except that it has grade 1 reflux (which the doctor said is a minor detail, and could have been caused by the massive size of her bladder pre-surgery).

Please respond ONLY if you are a trained professional who is knowledgeable in the field of pediatrics urology, or if you have personally experienced something similar. I am trying to make a very important decision, and I need serious advice only, please.

ANSWER:

QUESTION:
Why does my tummy hurt?
I have had several scans of my stomach, including an MRI, an MRA, a CT scan, as well as an X-Ray, I’ve had a high point scan of my gallbladder & several blood tests that have ruled out Kidney disease & Liver problems. My stomach hurts on my right side, below my ribcage, right in my Gallbladder/Liver area.

I don’t understand why all the tests come back normal, when there is obviously something going on there! Could it be appendicitis?

A little more info about me: I have Meniere’s Disease (a chronic disease of the inner ear that causes vertigo, as well as many other symptoms. See here for more details:: http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/balance/meniere.asp)

I also have Temporal Lobe Epilepsy (for more info on TLE see here: http://www.epilepsy.com/epilepsy/epilepsy_temporallobe)

As well as chronic Migraines, Osteoarthritis, & I’m blind in my left eye & deaf in my left ear.

Believe it or not, I live a normal life, & until recently, I was a full time nursing/ Medical Laboratory Tech student & I maintained a 3.8 GPA. I also worked full time.

With the recent pain in my side, I do OK, but keeping up with my kids & my husband is about all I can do. I can’t go to the gym as much as I use to & my housework has fallen behind on more than one occasion.

If I can live a completely normal life with Temporal Lobe Epilepsy, Osteoarthritis, Meniere’s Disease & chronic migraine, I feel confident that I could resume that if I had a solution to this horrible pain in my side!

Any clues would be great! I really prided myself on being able to maintain through all the problems that have come up & it seems silly to me that a pain in my stomach/side could debilitate me as much as it has!

Thanks!
Thanks for the response, but I actually drink loads of water & I eat soup, & oatmeal at least 12 times a week! I actually live on Ensure & Slim Fast drinks when I’m in school.
I think it may be appendicitis! Please help!!!

ANSWER:

QUESTION:
Need help with B12 Deficiency.?
Since Feb 09 I have been feeling sick, tired…I went to the doctor’s and had many tests done and all was blamed on my kidney stones (apparently I have quite a few, don’t know why but that’s besides the point) I just kept getting worse and got to the point where I couldn’t concentrate at work, my memory was horrible and I felt like I was on drugs and very sick….I couldn’t take it anymore! Finally my doctor did another blood test which included b12 levels in August. Found out I need b12 shots monthly so I have been getting them since. They do the injection in my arm (in the muscle) and I noticed that I only feel great for about a week then start to feel sick again slowly…By the last week I feel horrible again and feel like I can’t get through the day! Does anyone else have this? What is the cause of your deficiency? My doctor never explained to me anything, I just get rushed out the door when I go to see her. She just re-tested my bloodwork because I am pregnant now and said that I still have very low levels and will have to keep getting the injections. Also I wanted to know if anyone else has experienced acne with this deficiency? I don’t know if it is related but it started at the same time as I started to feel sick. Another thing, I dont have any bowel problems, I read that sometimes the cause is chrones disease and such…..Any information would be appreciated..Thanks!~
I am not a vegetarian. Never have been. I have done some research on this and it is rare for vegetarians to have deficiency (they can just take a pill to substitute). I wanted to hear from someone who is going through this to know what the cause is for them…And how much b12 they need because I feel like I am not getting enough.

ANSWER:
B12 deficiencies happen in vegetarians.

Vitamin B12 is found in foods that come from animals. including fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk, and milk products and fortified breakfast cereals. It is made by yeasts and microorganisms.[32] One half chicken breast, provides some .3 mc grams per serving or 6% of your daily value (DV), 3 ounces of beef, 2.4 mc grams, or 40% of your DV, one slice liver 47.9 mc grams or 780% of your DV, and 3 ounces of molluscs 84.1 mc grams, or 1,400% of your DV, while one egg provides .6 mc grams or 10% of your DV. Other sources include nutritional yeast, fortified soy milks, and fortified energy bars.

Selective impaired absorption of vitamin B12 due to intrinsic factor deficiency. This may depend on loss of gastric parietal cells in chronic atrophic gastritis (in which case, the resulting megaloblastic anaemia takes the name of “pernicious anaemia”),

You feel sick because of anemia, which is lack or decreased number of red blood cells (RBCs) in the blood.
Other common early symptoms are tiredness, a decreased mental work capacity, weakened concentration and memory, and irritability and depression.
Sleep disturbances may occur, because B12 may be involved in the regulation of the sleep.

I recommend normal healthy diet.

Add; i don’t know if you have access to some medical sites…
if you want them, i can send it to your Y/A profile mail.

QUESTION:
Swollen Lymph nodes around the Aorta?
My 22 yr old son has been having abdominal pain for quite sometime now. He has had a surgery due to the Docs thinking it was a hernia. No hernia. His stomach pain continues to bother him. Well he finally had his gallbladder taken out, it wasn’t functioning. That was last Nov 2010. And he is still complaining of pain in stomach and his back too. He had urine checked and it showed signs of blood and protein in his urine. The Doc had another test done on his kidneys that showed no kidney stones. But he is still having stomach pains and on back too. Well finally the Doc ordered a CT scan with contrast. It showed he has swollen Lymph nodes around his aorta. He was sent to see the oncologist. They did more blood work and he is due for an upper abdominal CT scan. The oncologist called me today and said that the board that she meets with wants my son to have two more blood test done. She said so far his other blood work looked ok. But said it’s weird that his stomach hurts because the lymph nodes are back deeper in his abdomen. What did she mean by that is what I am worried about. Could it be his lungs? They want to find a safe place to remove a lymph node to biopsy it. She said it’s a challenge so they are looking further to find it safe to take it out. I am a worried mother and just wonder if anyone has had swollen lymph nodes deep around the aorta and what can be the cause.
Please just serious answers. I appreciate it.
Thank you!

Excuse me if I can’t explain it clearly. I can’t think too good right now.

ANSWER:

QUESTION:
Signs of a Kidney infection? I might have one.. help?
I went to the chiropractor today for my back, but i also told him around my kidney hurts too.. so he did a X-ray, and my kidneys showed up clear, and he explained that they only show up if they’re infected, so i went to the doctor an hour later and they did a blood pressure test and a urine test, and with what they could see, i didn’t have an infection, but they don’t know yet, they’re sending it to a lab for more of a in depth testing to see if i do, so now im just waiting til monday to see if i have one, what are the signs of a kidney infection? and if i don’t have one then what do you think is making my sides hurt around my kidneys?
I also use the bathroom a lot more now then I did before…
I forgot to add that its been hurting around this area everyday off and on for a week or 2
I forgot to add that its been hurting around this area everyday off and on for a week or 2
Sorry i forgot to add, Im a Male

ANSWER:
This does not have to have anything to do with the kidneys. This can be referred pain, from another organ, that is hurting in the kidney area. Cannot tell from your question if you are female or male, but a female can have a pain in an ovary and it can hurt in the kidneys..Google referred pain and you will see that it could be something else altogether. If the tests the doctor did come back negative I would suggest you have blood work done.

QUESTION:
Please help me figure out what I should do about my cat with kidney stones?
I have an 8 yr old male cat at the vet’s with kidney stones. He is very sick. I need some direction on what to do as I cannot afford to keep him at the vet. He is currently on an I.V. and has a catheter in his penis. He is very lethargic and doesn’t even know I’m there. He is not eating or drinking. He has been suffering for the past three or four days. I want to take him home today to save cost at the vet. My dilemma is, do I pick him up today, or do I keep him there. If I keep him there it’s going to cost me more money that I absolutely don’t have right now. So my next question is, if I did have the money to fix him right now. Will I have to go through this again soon? What will be the quality of life for him? How much will it cost me on down the road to keep him well and out of pain? How much attention is he going to need? The vet ran some blood and urine test on him and said that he does in fact have some kidney damage, and he’s also diabetic. He wants to run some more test to see if his treatment is helping. I can’t afford to pay for more tests and I have explained this to my vet. My vet told me last night that I could pick up my cat today at 2PM, but he strongly discourages it. I really don’t know what to do. My cat is my only companion. I live alone and my home is very empty without him. Can someone please advise me?

ANSWER:
Kidney stones and bladder stones do not resolve themselves on their own, the vet is the place he needs to be. These are dangerous for the cat, if the cat becomes blocked and nothing is done they die very painfully as the kidneys shut down and blood poisoning starts occuring.

He needs treatment. This is something cats do get, which may or may not come back (usually it won’t), so treatment does need to be done to get the cat back to normal.

QUESTION:
How long can herpes stay hidden before you have your first outbreak?
I am 24 years old and have been with my boyfriend now for 1 1/2 years.
This past weekend I did something i never thought i would do. I cheated on my current boyfriend with an old boyfriend who was in town for christmas. I told my boyfriend and suprisingly enough he forgave me and we began to work things out. Within a day and a half i broke out in my vaginal area. I have been fighting a yeast infection on and off for over a month now.
A little over a year ago I was diagnosed with the type of HPV that causes cervical cancer. 2 1/2 years ago my husband passed away. During the last year of our marriage i found out later that he had been unfaithful. Also the boyfriend i had all through highschool cheated on me with at least10 different people. I have only had 2 sexual partners between my husband and my current boyfriend until this past weekend. I went to the doctor today and she was unsure if the sores were infact herpes. I had all of the tests and blood work sent off. She was also concerned that i have something wrong with my ovaries. She seemed to think this was due to either the hpv or the possibilites of herpes. My boyfriend has been faithful to me but has lived a very highrisk lifestyle in the past. He has had mulitple blood tests for herpes done and have all come back negative. The last one being 7 months ago. My doctor told me today that it is possible to have a blood test come back negative if you have not had an outbreak. Is it possible that I have had herpes all this time and just havent known it?
She also diagnosed me with a very severe yeast infection and doesnt think the HPV has gotten any better. Right now my method of birth control is an IUD that i had placed during my marriage. I just found out that they make you more likely to contract an std.
For the past 4 months i have not only had 3 kidney infections but i have had pain during and after intercourse along with a brownish colored spotting! I am feaking out right now because everything i am experincing are symptoms of so many different things!
How long can herpes stay dormiant and how soon after exposer can you have an outbreak?
My doctor also stated that she didnt think that my outbreak looked like an initial outbreak if it was infact herpes. Is it possible that i have had one before and havent noticed?
She explained to me that severe stress can cause outbreaks in herpes that is otherwise untraceable. I have also recently been diagnosed with ptsd. is there anyway that this could be anything but herpes?

ANSWER:
I would find another doctor.

A blood test for herpes tests for antibodies to the virus in your blood. If you’ve had herpes for more than a couple of months, you WILL test positive for herpes in a blood test – whether or not you’ve ever had symptoms. This is a really basic fact about herpes, and its kind of scary that your doctor doesn’t understand how viral antibodies work.

With that said, most people with genital herpes never have any symptoms at all. Its definitely possible to have herpes for years and years and never have an outbreak – or get your first outbreak years after exposure.

Also, know that visual diagnoses of herpes are often wrong. (Especially from doctors who don’t know much about herpes.)

I think that its quite possible that what you have is the result of a bad yeast infection. Or a bad reaction to something else. Or some other thing. Or herpes. At this point, we really don’t know.

But if you got a negative blood test back – then you either don’t have herpes, or you’ve caught it in the last few months.

QUESTION:
CAT HEALTH Help. High Levels of Microalbuminuria. UTI Symptoms?
I am in desperate need of some help, I am searching for people who are very knowledgeable in Feline health and will be able to provide me with some sense of what may be a sign to look out for; how to help bring my Kitty to good health. I would appreciate it so much ~ as my little kitty is very dear to me.

PURPLE IS 2 YEARS OLD.

I recently noticed frequent use of the litter box and took my cat, Purple, into the vet. I assumed she had a UTI. They did a Urinalisis and Blood test.

The Red Flags to pay close attention to were;

- High levels of Albumin ( 4.2 to be exact Refrence Range is ; 2.5 – 3.9)
- Moderately high levels of Creatine (1.6)
- Low levels of Platelet Count ( 144 Reference Range is 200 – 500 )
-High Occult blood
-High levels of protein
-High RBC.
They indicate that there is a high level of Microalbuminuria. It is 8.5 and Reference Range is <2.5

So aside from that, the Receptionist at the Vet told me “Her Kidneys are functioning correctly but since there are these Red Flags there is the ability for infection/clogging.” I have had Purple on K/D food to help with her kidney and to lower her protein intake for about 5 days. She is on CLAVAMOX (antibiotic) and we keep her hydrated. She does not drink water (due to the fact we have kept her hydrated I feel), and she eats regularly. She has been showing more use of the litter box and I have witnessed her poop twice (very dark brown). She is spunky and talkative, and when she is resting she cleans herself but still licks down there mildly cause of irritation I am assuming.

My questions are;
-Are there any other types of Antibiotics/ Medicine I should ask a Vet about?
-What Foods would help with Purples diet? I would like to maintain low levels of protein and creatine.
-What health signs could these be? ( I know it depends on so much but a broad idea )

Because of the fact I did not get anything explained to me by the Vet I took Purple to, I am planning on taking her to a different; better rated one for her next Bloodtest (after she finishes her dose of Clavamox). I will be keeping a update on her health.

Thank you so very much for taking the time, and bless your heart if you can help ~

ANSWER:
First, contact your vet and talk to him/her specificallly about what the lab results were and what it means for your cat. It sounds like there is some damage or decreased function of the kidneys based upon your lab results, but your VET is the one that you should talk to about these–not the receptionist or someone on the computer.

Keep her on the K/D. It is a prescription diet designed specifically for kidney disease issues. Don’t go adding foods or mixing and matching foods because that is an easy way to mess up the nutrient balance of the diet.

I would not immediately go to a second vet, just make sure that you get the information on your cat from your VET in the future.It may have been a random situation where the vet was dealing with an emergency or in surgery when you picked up your cat. However if having the receptionist discharge medical patients (as opposed to bath/dips, boarding) is a regular situation, then that would be a reason for switching vets. Client education is a very important part of providing medical care for a patient and with a medical case you should always get to talk to a vet for the initial diagnosis and at least a credentialed veterinary technician for rechecks of lab results.

QUESTION:
PLEASE help with this statistics problem! T TESTS!! 10 pts! PLZZ?
I finished my entire quiz but ive been stuck on this problem for hours. PLEASE help.

The normal range of values for blood phosphate levels is 2.6 to 4.8 milligrams of phosphate per deciliter of blood. The sample mean for a kidney dialysis patient falls above this range. We want to determine if this is good evidence that the patient’s mean level in fact falls above 4.8.

a. State the hypotheses.
b. The data for this patient are:
5.65.14.64.85.76.4

Use this data to carry out a t test. Report the value of the test statistic and the P-value.
c. Are you convinced that the patient’s phosphate level is higher than normal? Explain.
d. Construct the 95% confidence interval for the patient’s true mean phosphate level.

ANSWER:
Your hypothesis is x̄ > 4.8
Your null hypothesis is x̄ ≤ 4.8

To calculate the t-statistic, you need to first calculate the sample mean and standard deviation:

Looking up that value in a t distribution table we see that in order to reject Hø with a one-tailed test at α = .05 with df=5 we would need to have a t = 2.015. Since our observed t is greater than our critical t we can conclude that the patient’s phosphate level does appear to be higher than normal.

In order to create a 95% confidence interval you need the value of t for two tails totaling .05 at df = 5, which would be 2.571. Given that, the confidence interval would be:

QUESTION:
,i hav e pain in my lower right side abdomen and back side of hip bone , it is very high sometime?
pain is almost for 1 month , my doctor took urine , blood test . confined urinary tract infection completed full course of antibiotics. but pain still remains . can any one explain about kidney infection and how severe it is? ,i really feel ill and nausea all the time.kindney infection have any impact on liver because also increase in SGOT/AST & SGPT/ALT in liver function test. ( NEED ANSWER FROM DOCTER).

ANSWER:
Your doctor should have tested your Amylase and Lipase levels. More importantly, you probably should have your abdomen scanned. The symptoms you’re complaining about could easily be a kidney stone. A scan could also find whether your appendix is inflammed.

QUESTION:
Getting terminated from job for being sick during pregnancy?
Hello..

I have some questions I would really need help with.

I live in Ohio. I am currently 3 months pregnant and I had to call off work on Saturday. My employer knew that I went to my OBGYN on Friday evening due to severe pain in my under stomach and right side and that I was dealing with a urinary tract infection that we thought might have turned into a kidney infection. The doctor did another blood test and urine sample and told me if it gets worse over the weekend to rest and go to the ER immediately.
Anyway, Saturday morning the pain was even more severe and I started throwing up non stop and for a moment I thought I might lose the baby. So my partner called my job and spoke to one of my managers and explained the whole situation and told him I would not be able to come in today. I could not call myself, I could not leave the bathroom.
Sunday was my regular day off and because I still could not keep anything down monday morning I went back to the doctor. I called work early in the morning and talked to an assistant warehouse manager, because by the time on of my managers would come in I was at the doctors.

The doctor said I was severely dehydrated and wrote me a doctors note.

And then today (Tuesday) was another one of my regular days off. I am still not feeling great, but will be back to work tomorrow on my regular schedule.
Now I got a call from 2 coworkers warning me that they are planing on firing me for 3 days no call no show and that they do not accept that my fiance called off for me Saturday. For some reason I am not surprised, my store manager tries things like that all the time and I already had problems with her where she did not want to let me go on maternity leave for more than two weeks. My baby is due in january, by then I will be with the company for a little over 1 year and will only have 1 week of vacation and 1 week of sick days I could take. Until I printed out papers out of the internet that she will have to allow me to take at least my 6 weeks of maternity leave (in our handbook it even says that I am allowed to take 12 weeks of FMLA).

Anyway, I just want to be prepared for whatever comes my way. Could I be fired for this, even tho I called off as I was supposed too and even have a doctors note? Or could I be written up for this? And if I do get fired, would I be able to collect unemployment? I will probably have to fight for it, but I just want to know what my chances are.

Thank you.

ANSWER:
Hi. Unfortunately, you won’t be eligile for FMLA until you’ve been with your employer for 12 months and have worked for that employer 1,250 hours in a 12 month period. So absences prior to that date won’t be covered/protected. But you would be covered under the “pregnancy disability act”. Click on this link for more info on that http://www.eeoc.gov/facts/fs-preg.html. 6 weeks of maternity leave (or 8 weeks if you had a c-section) is usually covered by an employer’s short term disability policy if your company has one. There is no law that says an employer has to offer short term disablity or a maternity benefit (which is usually a paid benefit like 60%). What I would do is make sure you document everything (phone calls, emails, conversations) in writing. Don’t rely on memory for the details. Write it all down, even if it feels stupid. And make sure you do have your doctor write you notes for each and every time you are out. This way if you are fired for abesenteeism, you have all of your documentation in place to present to the Department of Labor (DOL) if you want to lodge a wrongful termination case. Good luck.

QUESTION:
helpppppppppppppppppppp needed badly need alot of answers give alot of information and details.?
does all ur diagnostic tests on the form need to be together like i had Lh fsh,tsh,vitimin d, acrogamegly tests gh igf1 but all on diffrent blood forms not together i mean , like on one form it was
tsh, vitimin d,liver,kidney and on other forms like t3, t4,would they check from the other form my tsh (i.e check for tyroid hypo/hyerthyroidism)or does it all need to be together and in order its the blady doctors fault obiously not mine,and all my blood test forms are like that i.e. acromegaly igf1 is on one form and gh and others are on another form so my question is do i have to do it again together for a diffrent illness but which also has the same tests i.e. tsh for endrocin disorders and tsh for tyroid problems, or would they check the diffrent illness test for other illness that i had FOR EXAMPLE.checking the tsh for endrocin disorders which i had done generally for some other illness. i hope u understand wot im saying i did my best to explain it IM NOT GOOD IN EXPLAINING THINGS.
also how many tests can be done on a one urine and stool sample? can i do corticol,urinary mma,msu,cult sens,complete urinanalysis for the urine and stool cult sens and parasites on the same sample?
luminous : wot do u mean
u didnt answer my question
fertility hormone tests? y the hell would i need that im only a kid and a nun type.
redangle: thats not wot i meant im not good at explaining things so ill give u an example of wot i meant is for example ana is an auto immune test but it is for so many auto immune illnesses not just one so if i did ana for sjgrone sydrome with my lo ra and then if i were to be tested for another illness which required to be tested for ana would ii have to do the ana again or would they check from the ana i did for sjgrone ?understand now. u ppl dont know to read
- the last bit red angle that isnt for u i said it to the answerer below u

ANSWER:
Hi bluebird,

Each test requested has a vial of blood removed…One blood test can fill many different vials of blood. I have also requested more tests and the lab still had my blood in storage so i didn’t have to go back to pathology. A urine/stool sample should be able to have multiple tests requested on one sample, however i’m not 100% sure on this.

each * one is on a separate form…some labs may vary.

*Master full blood count – white blood/red blood cell count
*Master E/LFT test – includes electrolytes/liver function/kidney function/cholesterol/iron (specific kidney and liver function tests can be requested. They have further tests not listed on an E/LFT test)
*Vitamin D study – 25 hydroxy D3
*IGF-1
*Adrenal studies – ACTH
*Thryoid functions test – TSH…make sure “free” T3 and T4 are tested. (TSH functions test is the same for thyroid and endocrine problems)
*Fertilitiy hormones test – includes LH, FSH, oestradiol, progesterone
*Vitamin B12 and folate
*Urine – Culture sensitivity..not sure if the MMA, MSU and cortisol test would be on the same form. These tests may be on separate forms
*Stool ova & parasites test…possibly stool culture on the same form but may be separate

Digestive enzyme supplements and probiotic supplements from health food stores help get rid of parasites. There are also parasite herbal supplements.

EDIT: right well you wouldn’t repeat the ANA test again. The doctor would do further testing for different autoimmune dieseases. Check ANA on labtest online..it’s goes into it a bit further.

QUESTION:
Blood in urine. What could this be?
I always seem to have blood in my actual urine when I have my period but not from the period itself. I don’t want to explain in graphic detail how I know this however. I have been tested very recently twice for UTI and other related problems because I always have to go to the toilet. But everything was negative, and there was also nothing wrong with my kidneys.

Are there some things that won’t show up on a normal urine sample? Is there a possibility that there is a leak or something in my bladder? I know this may sound extremely stupid to many people and I know I am going to get answers telling me to go to the doctor, which I am once school examinations are over and I have the time. I don’t experience any pain either, but I recently was hospitalised for heatstroke, though I believe that this was happening before that.

I know you aren’t medical professionals and I don’t expect such. But if anyone has encountered this or knows anything about it all information would be much appreciated. I have tried doing my own research into the issue but have come up with nothing.

I am 99% sure it is actually in my urine.

Many thanks in advance.

ANSWER:
It is possible to have endometrial tissue with the bladder or urinary tract. This would cause bleeding via the urine; but, only while on your cycle. This may occur in individuals with endometrious.

This would be more likely than a fistula between the uretus and urinary tract. Cancers and stones (although they need to be ruled out) do not bleed just during menses.

Blood in the urine must be explained. X-rays and cystoscopy are needed! See a urologist.

QUESTION:
What is wrong with me?
I am 17 years old and relatively healthy, i am not overweight and i excercise regularly.

I have had a history of high blood pressure that my doctors havent been able to explain.

Tests for diabetes were Negative but i do release some glucose in my urine which may be genetic.

Ultrasound on kidneys were negatives for defects such as arterial stenosis

i have chest pain once in a while but it feels more like pectoral muscle pain than something from my heart

When i am doing aerobic excercises i sometimes feel like my heart is working too hard and i feel my heartbeat in my neck

ANSWER:
Consult with a Heart Specialist for his/her diagnosis!

QUESTION:
Canine Kidney Failure?
I have a 12 year old Pomeranian that has had chronic knee problems for years. All of the Vets we visited discouraged knee surgery due to limited success rates. So back in ’07 they thought that she had developed arthritis in her knees, so I started giving her half of a baby aspirin with good results. After about a year, she did not respond to the aspirin as well as before so we took her to the Vet and started her on Metacam. Halfway through ’09 Tribble started slowing down, her tail would always be down, and was only eating half of her food. My wife and I thought this was due to knee pain, so December of ’09 we decided to have the knee surgery done. We brought her home from the Vet and she ate as normal, however the next day she did not finish her food and would only eat cat food. From there on she would only eat limited amounts of various things, such as egg and steak, but would not touch her food. We thought she was depressed so we waited for the cast to come off and see. Well, a month and a total of two surgeries later the cast comes off and the knee looks great, however Tribble still will not eat. We had the cast removed on a Wednesday and on Thursday we took her back to the Vet for the surgeon to double check her knee, which was perfect. We explained to the DR that she is still not eating, so the DR recommended a blood test. Friday I get a call from the DR that Tribble is in sever kidney failure, her BUN is 157 and her CRE is 8.*. The DR recommended IV therapy, which we did all Friday night and got good results with the BUN dropping to 86 and the CRE to 3.3. To try and continue the good results we put her in the emergency vet hospital over the weekend for IV therapy. I dropped her off at our regular Vet that Monday morning to continue IV therapy and get blood work. Well the blood work came back worse, BUN 108 and the CRE 6.6, what the hell? So all week I have been dropping her off at the Vet to get IV therapy during the day and the numbers have dropped a bit to BUN 104, CRE 6.1. However her veins are giving out and they cannot keep the catheter in for more than a day at a time and are now on leg number 4. Does anyone have any experience that can offer a suggestion? I want my dog’s last days to be peaceful, but don’t want to give up if there is any REAL possibility that she could have a recovery, even to the “manageable” level.

ANSWER:
Kidney failure has the ability to be a potent adversary, and may not always respond favorably to treatment. In general, the body is able to compensate for a significant amount of kidney dysfunction — 75% of kidney function must be lost before changes are seen, and the damage may be reversible or irreversible. So, anytime a situation like this occurs, it is easily life-threatening.

Here are a couple of things to consider in terms of pushing forward or not with your pet:
1. It may be possible to pursue further treatment and diagnostics with a specialist. There are many universities and referral centers across the country with great, board-certified doctors in nearly any imaginable sub-field of veterinary medicine.

2. Step back and look honestly at your pet’s situation and begin to consider her quality of life in your decision-making process. It can be difficult at times, but you have people around you — family, friends, veterinary professionals — who can all aid in your decision-making by giving opinions and support. The important thing is to not allow her to suffer without cause.

–Note that the above answer is informational and opinionated only. It would not be possible to give sound medical advice pertinent to your pet without seeing her.

QUESTION:
High protein levels in urine in a 13 yr old girl?
So, I’m a 105 lb, 5 foot 13-year-old girl. I have high blood pressure that they could never explain with lots and lots of tests, so they called it essential hypertension and I’m on Nifediac to control it. I’ve been on it for over a year and my BP’s fine now.

But I had my check-up at the doctor’s today and they did some blood work and a urine sample test to make sure my kidney function was A-OK. My kidneys are fine, but the urine sample came back with high levels of protein in it. I have no symptoms indicating a urinary tract infection, so I’m just wondering, what could it be? I’m a little scared, all the Google results say kidney disease, and that doesn’t sound good.
I don’t eat that much protein. I barely eat any meat, actually, maybe a hot dog or something once every two weeks. In fact, I used to be a vegetarian.

ANSWER:
you could be eating to much protein foods. It happens to a lot of people don’t worry. Drink lots of water to get rid of the extra protein, and don’t eat it as much.

QUESTION:
Protein in urine?
Recently, I’ve been having urinary tract troubles. I frequently visited my doctor for it and was prescribed antibiotics for the UTI’s, but last month I was referred to a specialist-a nefrologist(sp?)-a kidney doctor, because a high amount of protein and a little blood was found in my urine samples.
The specialist took some of my blood for testing and will have some results back at the end of this month. She explained in a very broad range of maybe why my kidneys are allowing too much protein into my urine. All the reasons she suggested sounded very serious which has got me worried.
So now I am just in a waiting period. I’ve been researching this online, but I was wondering if anyone knows about this from experience or could offer any professional insight.
Thanks for your help.

ANSWER:
HELLO !! WHEN I WAS TWELVE YEARS OLD I HAD GLOMERULA NEPHRITIS ( IM NOT SURE I SPELLED THAT CORRECTLY) MY URINE HAD EXCESS ALBUMIN / WHICH I THINK IS PROTEIN AND IT HAD A WEE BIT OF BLOOD ALSO.IM SO GLAD THAT YOU HAVE CONSULTED A SPECIALIST. BECAUSE NOW-A-DAYS THE DIAGNOSIS WILL BE MUCH BETTER THAN WHEN I HAD IT IN 1948. I MAYBE MISTAKEN BUT I THINK POSSIBLY ITS HEREDITARY. YEARS AGO I THINK THEY CALLED IT BRIGHTS DISEASE ( AGAIN I MAY NOT HAVE SPELLED THAT CORRECTLY. MY MOM HAD IT WHEN SHE WAS A LITTLE GIRL IN BRIDGTON MAINE .BE SURE TO WATCH YOUR DIET , NO SALT, OR SPICY STUFF. YOULL BE COMPLETELY CURED BUT DO EXACTLY AS TOLD . AND DONT MISS ANY PERIODIC CHECKUPS WITH THE DOCTOR. DO GET WELL- – - AND ONCE AGAIN IM SO GLAD YOU ARE IN GOOD HANDS.

QUESTION:
a. Describe what happens during the process of breathing in.?
b. Name the pathogen that causes tuberculosis and explain how it is spread through air.

c. Explain the role of mass X-ray in the fight against tuberculosis.

d. Explain how the risk of catching tuberculosis may be reduced.

e. Describe the parts played by the ovary and oviduct in the process of reproduction.

f. Describe how oxygen from the air reaches the tissues of the fetus.

g. Explain how the fetus is protected from physical damage while in the uterus.

h. Explain the dangers to human health when sewage is left untreated.

i. Car exhaust contains oxides of nitrogen. State two other pollutants from car exhaust and for each one explain why it is damaging to health.

j. Describe how you would test a sample of water to see if it contained bacteria.
k. Explain how the body prevents glucose levels in the blood from rising too high after a meal.
L. State two chemical substances that enter the kidney in the blood and for each one explain what happens to it in the kidney

ANSWER:
a.The volume of thoracic cage increases,the lung pressure increases when we breath in.
b.Mycobacterium tuberculosis spreads when we breath in the air that contains the bacterium as a droplet.
c.Diagnosis of TB.
d.Avoiding contact with affected people,vaccination,etc…
e.Ovary releases the ovum into the oviduct,that collects them & reaches the ampulla for fertilisation.
f.It dissolves in the haemoglobin & passes thro’ the tissues.
g.The ovarian membranes protects the foetus-Amnion,Chorion & Allantois.
h.Spread of insect borne diseases thro’ insects like mosquitoes & flies.
k.Insulin,the hormone secreated by beta cells of Islets of Langerhans(present in the pancreas) reduces the increase in Blood glucose level.

QUESTION:
Why does my 9yr old have a RED right eye ()with some pain?
I really need help or direction. My 9 yr old daughter developed a pinkish/red eye about 2 yrs ago, the color and symptoms comes and goes. Her eye turns red/pink and it looks low and “peaky”. There is no discharge. No leaking. There is sometimes pain when she looks upwards and sometimes her head hurt.
In the past 2 year, we have been to 7 specialists as well as her PCP numerous times. We have been to Optometrists, Ophthalmologists, and Allergy Specialists. All their result are normal. Negative for eye infections or disease. We have did blood allergy test as well as the 30 specimen on her back. We’ve been tested for leukemia, sickle cell, thyroid, mono. Her liver and kidneys have been tested. Everything is coming out “normal” *it is NOT pink eye*

But her eye is still discolored. It comes and goes without warning. We have tried eye drop after eye drop (prescription and over the counter) as well as allergy meds, Allevert, Benadryl, Singular.

We have checked for bedbugs, gave her new sheets, mattress and pillows (all hypo allergenic). we don’t have ANY pets.

She has hardwood floors in her room. She doesn’t touch her face/eyes.

I am at my wits end because the doctors can’t explain but also aren’t helpi She is only 9!

Please don’t answer with a stupid response just to get your point. I really need direction.

ANSWER:
have you tried switching around her beauty products? (shampoo, conditioner, soap, etc) Same with your laundry detergent/fabric softner/dryer sheats. At first I was gonna say it sound like she’s rubbing or getting something in it like dust and it’s getting scratched – but I’d think that a descent eye doc would pick up on that.

I work with a woman who has a similar problem. One of her eyes turns totally red. It’s some allergy that the docs she’s visited can’t find.

I’d just try removing everything scented that you use. could even be a cleaner or air freshner. Then, if that seems to help, gradually bring them back one by one until you figure out which one (or ones) are causing the problem

Oh, another thought – does it have anything to do with stress or sleep patterns? or TV watching patterns?

If you’ve been troubled recently by unusual pain and soreness in your back, consider talking to your medical professional about having some kidney tests done.

There are many different conditions and diseases that can result in a kidney problem. Some come on strong and fast. As the saying goes, you “dont know what hit you.” This type of discomfort frequently results from kidney stones or an acute kidney infection.

But some types of kidney back pain progress gradually? due to the fact that the underlying cause is chronic. This is typically the case with kidney failure.

A urine test is usually the first step. Toxins, chemicals, blood and sometimes even tissue fragments will show up. This is usually a clue that additional testing would be a good idea.

Taking blood is another way to determine if there is a kidney problem. Your kidneys filter out toxins in the blood, and if a kidney isn’t working as it should, certain chemicals will be plain to see in the blood sample .

Frequently Asked Questions

QUESTION:
Do they test your blood for kidney tests?
I did something really stupid and smoked pot a couple days ago. I have an exam on Wednesday for my kidneys and I have an ultrasound scheduled, the original problem showed up on a bone scan. So I am wondering do they usually test your blood for these kinds of things, and if so will anything show what I did or does it have to be a blood test for that to show?

ANSWER:
well if you are going for an ultrasound they won’t be doing any blood tests. unless they find something when they look at you kidneys that would make them want to do a blood test.
and they wouldn’t be looking for pot in the blood test but if they did find pot in your system why does it matter? they aren’t going ot call the cops or tell anyone. they took an oath and they can’t tell anyone anything about your health if you don’t want them to.

QUESTION:
Why would an old westie develope a terrible thirst? Blood tests for liver & kidneys are fine & not diabetic?
He drinks about 6pints a day, and asks for more water when he drinks all in his dish. It is worst in the evening, and he has at least one accident each evening, even letting him out 4 or 5 times during the evening. All tests from the Vets are coming back negative, no one seems to know what is happening.

ANSWER:
st.lady mentioned cushings and having some knowledge of cushings, yes your dog can develop a huge thirst from that. However, there would most likely be other symptoms as well. How old is the dog? Is the dog a guts, is the dog overweight? Does he have itchy skin or pimples, little non cancerous tumours, flakey skin? skin conditions are also linked with cushings. Cushings dogs don’t seem sick, they are bright and happy normal dogs, but they tend to want to eat and eat and drink and drink. and then of course… go to the toilet and go to the toilet. Have another chat with your vet and if that doesn’t help, I’d start shopping around. Oh yeah and another thing. cushings usually occurs in older dogs. Problem with cushings is that it’s hard to diagnose. They can display heaps of symptoms but tests will come back negative. Sometimes it takes perseverence. Search for cushings in wiki and take a look at case studies if you want to have an idea of how hard it is to diagnose. The other thing is that cushings causes other related conditions too. Definitely take your boy back to the vet.

QUESTION:
hi can anyone tell me if you get a dye scan for kidneys, then blood tests 6 days later for thyroid?
[under active], could this dye affect the blood test readings . serious answers only please.thanks

ANSWER:
The dye would have no effect on the thyroid function tests.

QUESTION:
If you have a problem with one of your kidneys, will the blood tests show that there is a problem?
I am just wondering if you have a problem with one kidney, would blood tests show up normal. I am wondering because most people live normal lives on only one kidney so would that make the blood tests come up normal. I have had a back pain that is more on my left side then right….i have had this for 3 years more of a stiff burning pain but has been getting more sharp. I also have urinary symptoms. Also when i push on my abdomen near my belly button to the left side it hurts…my doctor says i am depressed but i don’t think i am. Can depression cause this?

ANSWER:
a urine test will tell if you a problem with one of your kidneys

QUESTION:
Will medicare pick up the cost of blood tests for kidney function evaluation?

ANSWER:
Medicare will pick up 80% of the cost AFTER you’ve paid the 1 part B deductible. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan the test will have a [FAQ-ANSWER] to co-pay with most plans. If you have a medicare supplement you will pay nothing.

QUESTION:
Will the depo-provera shot show up on urine/blood tests for kidney failure?

ANSWER:
Nope.

In general, for something to show up on a test, it has to be specifically tested for.

QUESTION:
Would a doctor find in blood tests?
something in blood tests to then ask for a urine test for bence jones protein? what would it be in the blood?
as far as i know red,white,hormone, liver and kidney function blood tests were fine, but inflammation markers were raised.

ANSWER:
The immune system produces special proteins called antibodies which are usually targeted specifically at bacteria and viruses that your body may encounter.

The antibodies fit like keys into a lock on the surface of the bacteria/virus and help to neutralise or destroy it.

On occasion the immune system’s cells may launch an inappropraite response and produce large amounts of the same antibody into the bloodstream when there isn’t an infection present. There are a number of specific disease conditions where this may be the case.

Bence Jones proteins are the breakdown products of this particular type of antibody and are excreted from the body in the urine and thus are detected there.

Things that may prompt a doctor to ask for a bence jones protein test of the urine are: a combination of symptoms including anaemia, bone pain, fatigue, kidney problems and recurrent infections.

There may be signs in the blood of low red cell numbers, raised calcium and eleveated protein levels in the blood.

Really your doctor should be explaining to you why they are doing a test. Don’t be scared to ask.

QUESTION:
Depo-Provera shot- Will it show on urine/blood tests for kidney failure?

ANSWER:

QUESTION:
will hepatitis’s strains be noticed through blood tests for kidney and liver functions?

ANSWER:
NO ,thats a seperate test ,LIVER AND RENAL FUNCTION TESTS are for enzymes and activity of function they dont include viral and infectious screening

QUESTION:
Do general blood tests in the UK look for HIV?
I had kidney infections a few months ago, and I had unprotected sex a little before that. When I got blood tests taken for my kidney infections would they have looked for things like HIV?

ANSWER:
Nope. You have to ask for it.

QUESTION:
Why does the doctor want to do blood tests to check my liver, kidney and thyroids etc?
Im just curious as hes making an appointment for blood tests as he wants to check my kidney, liver, thyroids etc? why? What do you think he wants to check out?

ANSWER:
im not a DR .. but they want to get an all around look at what your health is. and also.. if they dont and tsomething comes up in the future you can hire a lawyer and sue the Doc for not being thorough with his evaluations. thats why health care is so expensive too.. SEE? if he misses something they hold him responsible.. like no one dies anyway…

QUESTION:
<<<<<<<>>>>>>> healthy kidneys, blood test?
If i have healthy liver, and good potassium and sodium levels, would that mean i have healthy kidneys? I had a blood test for a lot of things, but kidneys weren’t included. So do you think my kidneys are healthy? according to my blood test that came back good on potassium, sodium, liver. I also have good blood pressure, thyroid, i don’t have diabetes either

I had an mri with contrast dye today, and I’m worried about it getting flushed out, i went pee like 5 times already

My ribs been hurtin, well for a couple years, but its worse now. Its in my back where my kidney would be, it gets worse when i breath in

ANSWER:
Did you get any tests saying S. Urea or S. Creatinine? This is a test for kidney function. IF that is normal you should be alright. There are alot of pieces to this puzzle that are missing. Pain when you breath in sounds more like a lung/ associated region. But the doctor is running test to check your kidneys? Interesting… there must be other complaints or something that the made the doc think something was up in that region… Sorry couldnt help too much but there are a bunch of questions left to ask…if i had some more info i could help u better

QUESTION:
what is the extreme/last stage of serum creatinine blood test of kidney nephritis patients?
Bieng an sle patient, my frien have serum creatinine blood test report is 3.2, just want to know that what is the extreme level of this test for the said patients, who have type 4 sle.

ANSWER:
Serum creatinine isn’t the best indicator; you want to know the glomerular filtration rate (often called the GFR). Doctors disagree, but generally somewhere around 5-15ml/min is the worst stage, & these patients usually go on dialysis.
I just plugged that serum creatinine level into an equation that estimates GFR from the serum creatinine, here: http://nephron.org/cgi-bin/MDRD_GFR/cgi
You can do it yourself, but the upshot is that depending on age, gender and race (I guessed 30yrs; it drops a little as you get older), they’re probably around 20-33ml/min. 90ml/min is what healthy people have but your body can cope with a lot less. Renal disease: 60-89 is mild, 30-59 is moderate, 15-29 is severe and less is renal failure. Some doctors say it has to be less than 10ml for renal failure.

Hope this helped. I’m a med student, not a doctor, but this is straight out of my lectures, I checked.

Is that number too low for my age?
Do i actually have kidney problems?

Please give me all the info that you know.
I’m worried.
Thank you!
And on the lab results paper I received, it shows two stars next to GFR.

GFR **
Also, what can I do to help myself and get a high number. A normal number.
What kind of foods should I stay away from and what foods should I eat?

ANSWER:
Your GFR tells how much kidney function you have. It may be estimated from your blood level of creatinine. If your GFR falls below 30 you will need to see a kidney disease specialist (called a nephrologist), Your kidney doctor will speak to you about treatments for kidney failure like dialysis or kidney transplant. A GFR below 15 indicates that you need to start on a treatment

QUESTION:
blood tests results?
ive had really itchy skin for a while and i went to the drs and i got bloodwork done.liver tests,kidney tests,diabetes,thyroid,and to check for infection i think.i just called about my results and they said some of my levels were high and some were low.im waiting for a nurse to call me back and tell me what was what but im bugging out so badddddd im only 26 and im scared im dying.does any1 know what could be wrong?
they also tested for cholesterol.i was suppose to fast for 10 hours and only have water all i had was some coffee with sugar in it
i forgot to mention i have had kidney stones before i dont know if this would matter

ANSWER:
wait for the actual results. doubt youre dying

QUESTION:
I recently had a blood test taken to check my kidneys and liver. Whats to expect?
What do they screen for and what can they find? Do they normally just test for that or more? Nervous.

ANSWER:
The blood tests they usually do on the liver
are:
(1) the liver enzymes which will show them
if there may be damage to the liver cells
(2) the liver function tests which will show
them how well the cells of the liver are
functioning to keep the body healthy
(3) viral testing to see whether a liver problem
has occurred because of contacting a
virus like Hepatitis A,B,C,etc.
[The liver enzymes are known as the
ALT, AST, GGT, and Alkaline Phosphatase
The liver Function tests are known as the
Bilirubin, INR, and Albumin….
to learn more about each one of the these
tests…here is a link to go to that will
explain each one in detail:

http://www.labtestsonline.org

For the kidneys, they check the creatinine and
also the “Bun” ( blood urea nitrogen). They
are checking the kidney’s function to see that
it is able to remove toxins from the body well.
A by-product of using our muscles is
Creatinine and a by-product of our body using
Protein is first Ammonia which the liver
changes to urea nitrogen. The kidney filters
these from our blood…If it remains high
in the blood it could signify that there is
kidney damage.

No blood test is 100% accurate. They may
do more blood testing to be sure of the
findings as many things can effect the
results. Such as human error, exercising
before the test, eatting before the test, and
other things. Be sure to follow or ask the
doctor about anything you are not allowed
to have or do before having any blood testing
done.

When there becomes damage to the liver
cells, it can cause the body’s immune system
to react to this and cause the development
of inflammation in the liver which will cause
the liver to enlarge in size. If the cause
can be stopped and the inflammation is
treated…the liver cells can heal. It is only
when the liver cells die off..that is can become
serious…known as Cirrhosis of the liver.

They usually check both the liver and kidney
together. When the liver goes into failure,
the kidneys are next in line to also go cause
they are trying to take over the role of removing
the toxins that the liver used to change into
a non toxic form.

I hope this information has been of some help
to you. It is hard to wait for results of any
testing. Best wishes to you.

QUESTION:
Blood in urine…kidneys are fine.?
Since mid-August I have had blood in my urine, gross hematuria, as my urine is rusty colored. There is no pain or burning when I go to the bathroom. I was tested for a UTI and put on 10 days of Cipro, but test was negative and Cipro didn’t help. Went to a urologist, CT with contrast showed nothing. Had a bladder scope and it only showed a mild irrirtation. Finally, went to a nephrologist. He ordered a kidney biopsy, chest x-ray and took 6 vials of blood along with 2 urine samples. I don’t have my biopsy scheduled yet, but I am scared of what this could be. Wouldn’t cancer have shown on the CT? Any thoughts on what this could be?? One other thing, when I was at the urologist, they showed protein and ketones in my urine as well. I am not diabetic.
2 weeks ago (Tiebreaker)
Additional Details
2 weeks ago

I was tested for UTI, kidney infection and kidney stones and nothing showed up. And no jaundice either. It is so weird because there really aren’t any other symptoms. I am tired all the time, but I am a single mom of 2 girls. I appreciate any feedback though.

Okay, I just got a call that my kidney biopsy and blood tests were all normal. The doctor notes from the urologist say that the urine from my kidneys was clear so now I have to go back to the urologist, problem might be in my bladder. I have no other symptoms….thoughts???

ANSWER:
It could be a hole in your bladder or the blood could be coming from some internal bleeding from elsewhere in the body. Have a full body scan. It doesn’t sound life threatening as a hole or tear in the bladder can be sewn up. You could be tired because of losing iron in blood. Ct should show cancer, so it most likely a small opening in the bladder.

QUESTION:
Why would my GP suddenly find something wrong with my kidneys TEN MONTHS after a blood test was taken?
I have received a letter from my GP asking me to attend for a repeat blood test as it has shown some very minor changes to my kidneys.

The letter refers to a ‘relatively recent blood test’ – I don’t consider ten months to be recent!

Why on earth would it take them so long to get back to me?????

ANSWER:
This is just the kind of thing that the blood tests are for. Anything serious would have been spotted right away. Possibly the GP was unsure and consulted the opinion of other doctors to decide if any follow-up was necessary.

QUESTION:
If a blood test showed your kidneys were healthy why would a kidney ultrasound come abnormal?
I’m worried about my mom. Last July her blood test showed her kidneys were normal but an ultrasound said her urine and kidney ultrasound were abnormal. She has to make an appointment to get the results.
She has arthritis and scoliosis so she thought her back pains were due to that but her symptoms are urinating a lot, back pain, headaches and sometimes being tired for no reason. No pain when urinating and the blood was only visible under microscope.

Are blood tests not accurate at detecting kidney diseases as the ultrasounds are?

Can kidney stones or PKD be missed by a blood test?

ANSWER:
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QUESTION:
Blood tests?
Today I have had a blood test, based on orders from a doctor. I was just wondering, I had 5 tubes of blood taken, 4 of the plastic tubes were the same size, and the 5th a little larger. The blood tests that were taken were for glandular fever screening, something to do with my live, kidney and something else too. But the box for taking blood glucose levels wasn’t ticked- however if I have the risk of having diabetes (as I have been ill with closely related symptoms) would it show although my blood glucose levels WEREN’T necessarily taken ? Also, how long do I have to wait before I get the results from all of these blood tests? Cheers for all the help.

ANSWER:
Hey, Jay D:

Congrats! You see….that wasn’t soooo bad! LOL!

Let me start by saying that I am going to answer your questions according to the standards here in the USA….
The most frequently done “blood test” is a CBC or Complete Blood Count.

What I am trying to say is, from those few tubes of blood the Dr. can tell a whole lot! How long to get the results?
Hummmm…that depends….do people over there take looooooooooooooooog lunches? LOL!!! Try and be patient…hey!… “we’ve come this far”…Cheer up and hold on….

QUESTION:
had to have blood test redone as results of kidney and bone tests were abnormal?
tests were normal ones.gp was looking for athritisin my hands.i only have one kidney and my mam developed kidney disease so what could abnormal test result show

ANSWER:
it could simply be as you have one kidney – have you been tested before – a general abnormal result may be normal for you – everyone is different – do not panic but if you are concerned chat to your gp – if there was something serious they would have told you as soon as they got the results

QUESTION:
I tested positive for microscopic blood in the urine, but creatine in blood test is normal. Kidney disease?
I also had a kidney ultrasound a few years ago, and 1 kidney is larger than the other. Does this mean that I have kidney disease? I don’t have an infection. Blood tests come back normal. Please, serious answers only.
Im a 34 year old women.

ANSWER:
I do not think that means you have kidney disease – I think everyone has one kidney bigger than another. Microscopic blood in urine might just mean you had a slight infection, or irritation in your urethra. Or, if you recently had your period, it could be blood from that also. I wouldn’t worry about kidney disease unless you had some other signs like elevated creatnine, bun, and/or urea and lowered WBCs and hemoglobin.

QUESTION:
Confusing blood tests for a child?
Can anyone explain some blood test results for my 5 year old, please. She had the following tests FBC, liver, kidney, thyroid, B12 and iron. All came back ok except Ferritin – 6 (normal min 13) and Mean Corpuscular volume 89.6 (normal 68-87). She has been prescribed an iron supplement. I am confused because everything I read says that iron depletion would cause a decreased MCV rather than an elevated one.

ANSWER:
The MCV is just barely higher than the normal range – its of no clinical significance. Differences larger than this can occur from being slightly dehydrated.

If the results are not from dehydration, and all other aspects of the blood test (other than ferritin and MCV) are normal, then the results would indicate that the red blood cells are slightly larger than normal. This is common with iron deficiency anemia since the hemoglobin molecules can develop an abnormal structure when there isn’t enough iron.

QUESTION:
Can A Kidney Blood Test Tell If Your Pregnant ?
I Had A Blood Test For My Kidneys Last Week For A Check Up I Was Wondering Would It Show Up On The Blood Test If I Was Pregnant ???
Thanks …I Hope I’m Not Pregnant Though .. I Have To See The Dr Got My Results Back Thought That i Might Of Been & He Wants To See Me So Somthings Up i Guess =/

ANSWER:

QUESTION:
After a blood test I have been told my kidneys are detiorating have had a endoscopy last week which was clear?
Now have a ct scan booked for my stomach what exactly would they be looking for ?

ANSWER:
If they have done an endoscopy and it is clear, I’m not sure why they would do a CT scan of the stomach. I think it will be more likely an abdominal CT which includes looking at all your organs such as liver, kidney, spleen, pancreas, stomach, bowel and also blood vessels. Your last question was posted in the cancer section, is that of relevance in your situation?? I think if you have anxieties, it would be best to have a chat with your doctor to help clarify matters as it seems you have some unanswered questions/concerns.

QUESTION:
Kidney blood test…and is elevated??
I am seeing a RE and have been TTC. I had to have blood work for my kidneys because they were putting me on Metformin cause i have PCOS. Anywas my blood work came back elevated form my kidney test. What would elevated mean??..they want me to run the tst again in a couple of weeks.

Please explain???

ANSWER:
Elevated creatinine is a sign of loss of kidney function. Is that what they said? There are lots of other patients and caregivers who can answer your questions on the kidney message forum at www.ihatedialysis.com – you can get a lot of help and support there. I wish you the best of luck.

QUESTION:
Will blood tests show any kidney problems?
About 2 weeks ago I went to the ER because I was suffereing from really bad head aches and light headedness. They saw that my pulse was raising when I stood up. My back was hurting as well which at the time i though was just back pain. They gave me all different types of blood tests to check for clots and other things and everything came back normal. About a week later my lower left back started hurting again on the sides. It was an achey pain that isn’t too severe and hurts when I move mostly. About 2 days after that happened the area where my bladder is located began hurting and it seemed like I was going to the bathroom more then usualy and when I was done It felt like I still had to go. I was wondering if the blood tests I had taken would’ve shown any type of kidney problem I was having. I’m not to sure exactly what they were checking but they took like 5-6 tubes of blood.
I dont have any other symptoms other then the back pain and strange urination patterns.

ANSWER:

QUESTION:
High blood pressure, Amlodipine and blood tests?
My mum has to take Amlodipine because she has high blood pressure. She then has to have blood tests, I think, every 6 months or is it every year – can’t remember. Anyway, it is to test for cholesterol and kidney function. I can understand the cholesterol side of things, but why the kidney function?

ANSWER:
High blood pressure or hypertension is one of the leading cause of renal failure. That is the reason why the doctor do tests for your mom’s kidney function. You have a very good doctor, he is aware of the long term consequences of having a high blood pressure. I am impressed because he knows what prevention and early monitoring means. I am a renal nurse and I deal with patients with kidney failure. I have loads of patients who have kidney failure because of hypertension.

Tell your mom to keep taking her Amlodipine and keep her blood pressure within normal limits.

FYI. grapefruit juice should not be taken because it interferes with the action of the drug.

QUESTION:
will drugs show up on blood test?
the blood test they’re doing me is a full liver panel, celiac disease test, kidney panel and some other things that i guess are routine like cholesterol, red cells, etc.
it doesnt say “toxicology” or anything like that and in previous tests the results didnt say anything about any drug.
im kinda freaking out because i did coke and some pills about 3 days earlier.
will drugs show up even if they ae not specifically looking for them?

ANSWER:
It depends on your doctor and your insurance. I recently found out that with every urinalysis that I have done, they routinely do a toxicology screen. I discovered it by accident when my doctor accidentally mailed me her copy of my lab results instead of the copy I was supposed to have received. When she corrected the error and mailed me my copy, the drug screen wasn’t even mentioned on it. I asked her about it and that’s when she said it was routine. As for blood tests, I’m not sure if they do that or not. And honestly, I’d never heard of a toxicology report being routine with a urinalysis, and I’m a nurse. So I don’t know if my doctor was feeding me a line of crap or if she was being truthful.

In any event, it takes 3 days for drugs to leave your system. As long as it’s been 3 days since you’ve done any drugs before you had the blood drawn, they shouldn’t be able to trace it.

Now, if you were to go in for a drug screen where they take a clip of your hair, then you’re in trouble. They can detect drugs back for years, depending on the length of your hair. Every inch of hair is equal to one month of time.

And, lastly, for the bigger question, if you’re having liver and/or kidney problems, why on earth are you doing drugs? Do you have a death wish? You should really back off of the drugs entirely to find out what’s going on with you. Good luck and take care of yourself!

QUESTION:
I have regular blood tests because Im a diabetic. it is also checked for liver, kidney abnormalities etc?
I got the latest results back today which were showing arthritis. Does anyone know, would this be rheumatoid arthritis as I cant imagine osteo- arthritis showing in a blood test.
I have got health problems following a stroke 4 years ago.
Hope somebody knows and thanks in advance.

ANSWER:
You are correct most arthritides ( types of arthritis) do not produce diagnostic blood tests. However rheumatoid arthritis shows up in SOME patients that have it, if a specific test is done. A positive test can be recorded in a patient with no symptoms, and a negative test can occur in a patient with severe symptoms, so the result must be combines with what is happening to the patient.

QUESTION:
Blood/kidney test before neutering? Problems with neutering?
Our three 6 month old kittens are being/have been neutered this morning (they’ve been there for 3 hours, and we’ve been told to phone the vet in just over an hour to arrange when to collect them)

I’m really worried about them I’ve never heard of anything going wrong, apart from once my mum’s cat came home, and pulled all her stitches out at 4am. Mum had to phone her dad (she couldn’t drive) to take her to the emergency vets, and mum had to hold her tummy together while he stitched her back up apparently it was disgusting and there was blood EVERYWHERE.

The vets gave an option of having a blood test before the op. (There was a kidney test too, but it was only really necessary for older cats). It was £30 each though, and they all seemed very healthy, and my parents didn’t want to have to fork out another £90 on top of the £125 they were already paying. And the vet said it was only really for overweight cats, or ones who were old, or ill.

I’m worried now though that one of them might have a stroke while they’re under the anaesthetic, or have an allergic reaction, or bleed. Has this or something else ever happened to anyone’s cats?

ANSWER:
It’s very rare something goes wrong with a 6 month old kitten so don’t worry, you’d be very unlucky for one of yours to have a bad reaction.
I worked for vets for 40 years and we never lost a kitten or a cat while neutering them and we did it almost every day. I think nowadays vets offer blood tests too much,there shouldn’t be any need for a perfectly healthy kitten to have one, I’m afraid it’s all about making more money, so don’t worry about not having that done.
I think it’s terrible your mum had to hold that poor cat whose stitches came out, it must have been awful for her.
I know how you feel, even though I worked for vets, I hate even taking our own cats in for anything at all, I just love them so much.

QUESTION:
blood tests no help, with continuing weight loss?
gp tested for kidney liver ok, no diabetis thyroid etc says come back in new year, but weight loss this wee have eaten well, 4 killo’s , I am like skin and bone comments made by people o what is wrong, you look awful, what should I do, I just want to sleep all the time, please someone give me some ideas

ANSWER:
4 kilos is too much
Go back to the doctor now and insist he does something for you. Thyroidism is a difficult area to diagnose and if coupled with stress it is even worse
.

QUESTION:
When a blood test is done for a physical can that indicate if your kidneys and liver are fine?
I been felling a bit of lower rib pain like pinching from the in side. Not were the heart is a little lower.

ANSWER:
It depends if they just do the standard CBC and chem panel or if they also do the liver panel. The liver enzymes will be elevated with liver problems and the chemistry panel would likely show kidney problems such as your blood urea nitrogen level. Kidneys are low and generally felt in your back and liver pain isn’t too common. Gall bladder pain would be more likely followed by the pancreas, which is more serious.

QUESTION:
i had a blood test for possible kidney infection and my result today was ‘Borderline’?
I had a blood test for possible kidney infection and my result today was ‘Borderline’ so i have to go back to the doctors tomorrow, but i’m worried now that it could have picked up something else, maybe even pregnancy as i’m due my period in 3 days. Should i be worried about that result?

ANSWER:
It’s possible. You may be pregnant, you may not. Don’t worry to much. I have a blood test coming up today actually. I have a condition where all the bile ducts in my liver are scarring, and will eventually need a liver transplant. I’m 17 by the way.

Don’t stress about the results. They are what they are. Just wait and get the news. Thinking about it is just going to make it worse.

Should this re-assure me that my abuse of alcohol has caused no long term damage .... (and no I'm not looking for a "green light" to go on swigging the Chardonnay !) ... ?

ANSWER:
Laura, any medical test will show only what it is designed to show and no more. Briefly therefore, the ALT and Creatinine will only reflect hepatocellular and renal function respectively, they do not necessarily show any other physiological consequence of alcohol excess. It really depends on how much you drank and for how long, as well as a little bit of luck with how your own genetic predisposition metabolises alcohol, as to whether you have any lasting effects of ethanol abuse. For instance, it says nothing about the neurological, pancreatic or myopathic consequences of alcohol abuse, nor its nutritional effects.

So, sorry, no green light per se. However, if you are otherwise well and stick to less than 14 units per week you should be okay, unless you have previously had problems directly as a consequence of alcohol excess.

The evidence for a beneficial effect of alcohol is largely from red wine and again, only when used in moderation. Certainly the social benefits of relaxation in reducing blood pressure would have beneficial health consequence in the longer term.

As for the ALT – the liver performs over 500 biochemical functions so the concept of a “liver function test” or LFT is sort of misleading. Crudely in medicine, we use LFTs as a summary of the liver’s capacity to function and this usually involves measurement of hepatocellular enzymes (ALT or AST), bile cannalicular cell enzymes (ALP), bilirubin, total serum protein and albumin amongst others. This makes no account for other measures such as the INR (i.e. blood clotting), lactate recycling or glucose metabolism amongst many others.

So ALT alone simply means you have an appropriate level of hepatocellular enzumes (not isoenzymes also exist, hence ALT elevation also occurs in MI as well as with liver disease). If it were elevated yes you would begin to investigate possible liver abnormalities but used as a simple monitor of your liver function it is fine. This is important for girls like us on HRT as this can affect liver function (oestrogens as well as particular anti-androgens such as ciproterone acetate).

Creatinine is a waste product of muscle protein and is used again as a simple reflection of renal function. It can be elevated after eating a large meal of red meat simply due to ingestion rather than any problem in renal function per se, or in mesomorphic body builders. In fact, glomerular filtration has to fall by about a third or more before you see any elevation of serum creatinine so normal creatinine does not rule out the early stages of renal failure. However, significant impairment of renal function will reflect in elevation of creatinine so you can relax there – you don’t have that. Not sure why you are being screened for that though, there is no reason HRT per se puts your renal function at risk unless you are on mineralocorticoid analogues (e.g. spirinolcatone).

So, generally, you can be pretty confident you do not have any major derrangements of hepatocellular function or glomerular filtration. Other than that, one should not read beyond what each of these tests is designed to measure (i.e. it rules out nothing else).

Furthermore, remember the definition of NORMAL for these tests is statistically definied according to a “normal distribution”. That is, the upper and lower limits of normal here are defined by the range of normal results lying above or below the mean by two standard deviations. However, by such definition, at least FIVE PERCENT of all normal results will lie outside this range along with the majority of abnormal results.

In other words, if one or other result is “abnormal”, further consideration is needed to decide if this is a “normal” outlier or if there is clinical concern to investigate further.

Hope this answers the question.

QUESTION:
Kidneys are killing me but my blood test came out fine, what could possibly be wrong?!?
For the past months my kidneys have been aching. Its travels from side to side and now just recently it started traveling to my upper back. I went to the hospital thinking that I had a kidney infection. They drew blood and said that my kidneys were fine. Am I not drinking enough water? I am almost certain that its not a back ache because its in my flank and ive never had this kind of ache before. It is gradually getting worse. Any thought?! Thanks guys!

ANSWER:
I had that same problem for years I would get theses attacks and it came and went some times would stay for days the pain.I had gallstones and lots of them and had to get my gallbladder removed, the doctors never knew what it was until I actually almost died from blockage.You should have your gallbladder checked.It also was triggered (bad side pain) after eating spicy food.

QUESTION:
What blood tests should be done for checking deficiencies after giving up alcohol?
1) My cousin aged 44 was drinking for the last 22 year (about 1-2 bottles of beer a day or 120 ml of 40 proof whiskey) and has given up alcohol completely

2) He has a low memory, attention deficit, lot of anxiety, has become dull, depressed etc

3) Lipids, triglycerides, kidney, liver functions are all well below normal. Magnesium levels are on the lower borderline.

4) He is a vegetarian

5) Walks every evening 4-5 kms

ANSWER:
1-2 bottles of beer or 120 ml whiskey is excessive,but not alcoholic.Can that amount of drinking really cause such severe problems?
Maybe a full blood count / blood smear to check for vitamin B12 and folic acid defficiency.
Fasting glucose should also be useful.

QUESTION:
I have a sick cat. 13 years old, loss appetite, loss of weight, lethargic. Blood work and test show kidneys fi?
fine, rbc count fine. Only elevated white blood count at 20,000. Are we looking at antibiotics and anti-inflamatory for infection of possibility of cancer.

ANSWER:
At 13 years old it could be a wide range of issues. I suggest you just wait to see what the vet finds out.

QUESTION:
i got a white blood count liver and kidney blood test?
i got a white blood count liver and kidney blood test and the doctor told me he was looking for viruses he did to tell me what kind they where? am 23 thanks
is this true it could be hep c hiv or aids!!!

ANSWER:
When you go for a physical, your healthcare practitioner frequently orders blood tests. Many folks first find out they have hep C after undergoing a routine blood test and finding that one or more of the tests is abnormal.

There’s no one test that indicates chronic hepatitis C disease. Tests for the effects of hepatitis C on your liver include:

•Liver enzyme tests: These tests measure current liver cell injury by the amount of enzymes that are “leaked” out of damaged or dying liver cells.
•Liver function tests: These tests look at levels of proteins made by the liver. If your liver damage is such that your liver function is impaired, levels of these proteins will be low. If your bilirubin, clotting factors, or albumin levels are low, you may have cirrhosis or late-stage liver disease.
ALT
Small amounts of ALT (alanine aminotransferase) are normally found in blood. When the liver is damaged, ALT is released into the bloodstream. ALT is found in organs other than the liver (kidneys, heart, muscles, and pancreas), but most increases in ALT are from liver damage.

AST

AST (aspartate aminotransferase) is also called SGOT (serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase). Like ALT, AST is found mainly in the liver but also in other parts of the body. AST and ALT are usually measured together and are good indicators of liver disease or damage. Sometimes, test results give AST/ALT ratios.

ALP
ALP (alkaline phosphatase) is found in all parts of the body, with particularly high concentrations in the liver, bone, and placenta (during pregnancy). Like ALT and AST, ALP might leak into the bloodstream when liver cells are damaged as a result of hepatitis C. Children (who have growing bones), pregnant women (especially in their last trimester), and people with bone disease also have higher levels of ALP.

GGT
GGT refers to gamma-glutamyl transferase, but it’s also called gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGTP) or Gamma-GT. High levels of GGT are found in the liver, bile ducts, and the kidney. Bloodstream GGT levels will be higher in people with diseases of the liver and bile ducts.

5′N’Tase
Higher levels of the enzyme 5′N’Tase (5′nucleotidase), also known as 5′NT, in your blood indicate a problem with bile secretion. Hepatitis or cirrhosis can cause a blockage of bile flow.

Albumin
Albumin is the major blood protein made by the liver. One function of albumin is to keep the blood from leaking through the blood vessels, which can cause fluid retention in the ankles (edema), lungs, or abdomen (ascites).Low levels of albumin may be due to liver or kidney disease, malnutrition, or even a low-protein diet.

Bilirubin
This pigmented (yellow) waste chemical comes from the normal process of red blood cells’ dying after 90 to 120 days. A healthy liver converts bilirubin and sends it out of the body with the bile that goes to the intestine. Excreted bilirubin gives feces (stools) their characteristic brownish color.

When the liver is diseased, bilirubin isn’t converted and excreted. Stools might, therefore, be light-colored. The bilirubin that’s not properly excreted builds up in the body and gives a yellowish color to skin and eyes (a condition known as jaundice) and dark brown tea color to urine.

High levels of bilirubin are due to either too much production of bilirubin (from red blood cells dying) or because the liver isn’t processing bilirubin, which happens when the liver is damaged. This is one of three tests used to determine wait time for a liver transplant.

In addition to using a blood test, urine can be tested for bilirubin.

PT test
The PT (prothrombin time) test measures how quickly your blood clots, which is dependent on clotting factors (proteins) that are made by the liver. The PT test is used as a marker of advanced liver disease and can indicate blood-clotting problems where it takes you longer to stop bleeding.

Your laboratory may also give PT results that have been converted to an internationally recognized and easily comparable value that’s called the International Normalized Ratio (INR). The INR is one of the three factors used to determine wait time for a liver transplant

QUESTION:
I am a insulin diabetic and the doctor has found blood and protein in my urine what does this mean?
I am a 50 year old female insulin diabetic. I have been on insulin for about 12 years. I also suffer with my tyroids. I have just recieved a letter asking me to go for a scan on my kidneys after having two blood tests where on both tests blood and protein were found. I am very worried as to what this means??

ANSWER:
This MAY indicate a problem with your kidney(s) not functioning to capacity, but may equally indicate that you have a problem with your bladder … possibly a UTI (Urinary tract infection).

The idea of the scan on your kidneys is to look to see if function has been compromised.

QUESTION:
High Blood Pressure Please Help !!!!!?
im 20 years old male and have really high blood pressure , i have measured it many times it’s almost always 160 or above on 90 and sometimes 100 :S i have already visited many doctors and done blood tests for kidneys , cortisol , electrolytes and cholesterol an everything is just normal and i dont have diabetes too ,i did thyroid test and my t4 was low but tsh was normal , i dont think i have a thyroid problem cause im not gaining or losing weight and i heard it can raise your blood pressure :S plz help me

ANSWER:

QUESTION:
Blood tests/Hematology – confused.?
I have have extensive blood tests and am still unwell.

1 day ago – Full Blood Count and Thyroid.
Results have all been normal! Yet I am unwell. I still have a cough and runny nose yet my white cells were perfect. I am experiencing thinning of the skin/transparency, varicose looking veins in mouth and feet, fungal infection in my toenails and toe, muscle pains, twitching, blood shot eyes,Tachycardia and pallor. I am experiencing excessive wind (burping all day), struggling to eat. Tried to eat and choked on my food due to throat irritation.

If there was something really bad wrong, would it show in the above tests?

What do all above tests check for?

ANSWER:
You went to the Doc feeling UNWELL and he has run a series of blood tests to rule in or out certain problems. The Blood is the window to the body. If I peeped in your living room window, I would be able to state the person that lives here is tidy, untidy, good eye for color, bad eye for color, and so on. That is what the blood reveals, only it will show if you are physically ill or not. You might have a bad case of fungal skin infection, but the anxiety and worry is producing the rest of your symptoms.

QUESTION:
My dog has a white blood cell count double what it should be.?
My dog Angel is 8 yrs old, last month she started acting really strange, not moving, wincing in pain when she did move, not eating, weight loss of ten pounds in two days, a boil of some sort on her hind quarter, and clear sinus drainage from her eyes, and very labored breathing. I took her to the vet, he gave her an antibiotic injection and an anti-inflamatory injection, and sent her home with anti-biotics for the week.
Angel seemed back to herself after that. Then last week exactly one month from her appointment she started getting the eye discharge, lost all the weight she had gained(she looked emaciated), drinking water entirely too much, not eating, and urinating approximately a gallon of fluid each hour.
I again took her to the vet she had a temp of 106. He gave her another shot of antibiotics and ran some blood tests. Her kidneys are fine, she shows no sign of cancer, her liver was one point higher than the norm.Her sugar was fine, she was slightly anemic due to not eating.However her wbc count is double what it should be. The smear test showed inflamation( of what I don’t know).
She has returned to normal once again…what could be doing this to her? Could she have some kind of immune system problem?

ANSWER:
Fever & elevated white count SCREAMS infection.

QUESTION:
What blood tests do I get for a ‘complete’ checkup?
Liver function, kidney function, deficiencies (iron, zinc, magnesium, vitamins)
Cancers
And other things?

For example the GP writes tests down on a form to give to a pathology clinic, what would be the names?

ANSWER:
You are right to state Liver function, kidney function. But deficiencies (iron, zinc, magnesium, vitamins) and tumor markers eg Cancers are not among the list. This is because blood test for cancers are only of 60-65% accuracy and relatively expensive (as compared to other types of blood test). If its positive (eg CEA high in pregnant women or smokers), it doesn’t mean the pt has cancer! So most countries do away with this test. But some developing countries still include this in health screening package.

Hba1C (check for average blood sugar level for the past 3 months to determine if pt has diabetes)

Liver function

Thyroid function

Others – phosphate, uric acid are some common test in the package.

QUESTION:
Blood Tests. Diabetes HB1AC?
I have got to go for my overall sugar tested and my cholestrol and the kidney function test as I have been diabetic for 2 years. If my HB1AC is high what should I expect? I have panic attacks and hate seeing doctors as it is.

ANSWER:
HbA1C is a measure of the levels of glucose in your blood over the last three months – its a long term check of how well your doctor and you have managed to keep your diabetes under control.
If it is high most likely the doctor will encourage some lifestyle changes, particularly in regard to diet. Potentially they might alter your medications but it all depends on how things are going.

Try not to stress too much about going to see a doctor about check ups like these – they’re there to make sure things are going alright and to keep you in the best health. Good luck for your appointment

QUESTION:
Rapid heart rate, weight loss, blood tests show nothing?!?
Ok so in January this year I fainted on the London underground (felt sick and faint and weak before I actually fainted). It was extra packed and hot so I didn’t worry too much. But since then, like on the same day, a few hours after it happened, I’ve had a rapid heart rate, as in, it’s faster than usual. Doing more beats per min. And usually every day there will be moments where it speeds up even more to about 110-120 bpm but for no reason! And I feel short of breath/like I can’t get enough air. And occassionally I have palpitations for about 10 seconds.
In May/June my mum noticed I looked thin, I admit I hadn’t weighed myself for months so dunno if it was sudden or gradual. I normally way 7 1/2 stone, I’m 5ft 2 and have a naturally slim build, like others in my family. So I don’t want any comments saying my “normal” weight was too low. Everyone is different.
So anyway, weighed myself and I was 7 stone 2! But I hadn’t changed my diet/appetite so it happpened without reason!. Went on holiday in June/July so didn’t have time to focus on it. When I got back I looked thinner and then weighed 6 stone 13!
Went to GP, they did blood tests for: thyroid function, kidney and liver function, full blood count, ESR, urea and electrolytes and creatinine. They all came back fine, although she said my potassium levels were slightly low but it was nothing to worry about. Also had ECG, all it showed was my heart rate was too fast.
I have to note down when my pulse speeds up and go back in a few weeks. They might decide to do a 24hr or 7 day ECG. I have been eating a lot more for the past few weeks, haven’t lost any more weight which is good. But it’s really unlike me to lose so much weight and struggle to put it back on.
It’s as though my metabolism is too fast, but the results were fine and my GP doesn’t yet know what it could be!
The heart rate is not related to diet, caffeine etc. One thing I noticed is it seems to speed up when I’m anxious/hyper.excited etc. I know it’s a normal response in humans, but the fact it goes so fast, and happens when I get the teeniest little bit happy seems odd. It’s like my body is over-reacting to things. I never used to be like this!
No I am not on drugs and I don’t drink excessive amounts of alcohol.
It isn’t any medication I’m on.
I don’t think it’s stress cos I’ve hardly been stressed this year and I usually get headaches when I’m stressed.
I tried cutting out caffeine for a while but it had no effect so I know it isn’t that.
Another thing that has started about a month (maybe a bit longer) ago was that sometimes, say every week-ish, I have a few days where I get a really dry mouth and I feel so awful and drained of energy. I didn’t mention it to my GP, but I will next time I go.
I drink plenty of water, I’ve actually been drinking more for the past few months cos I knew I probs didn’t get enough and decided to take action lol. So it’s not what I drink. And it’s awful, it’s the sort of dry mouth you get when you’ve had alcohol/you’re hungover!
It’s happened again the past few days, but yesterday and the day before, I also kept needing to pee. Today, I haven’t had that. But I’ve still got the dry mouth and I feel really drained and awful.
I keep wondering about diabetes. But the symptoms would be constant, right?
Although I’m sure I read about a form of it where the symptoms come and go or may not be as obvious and then it develops into “full blown” diabetes. Anyone know anymore/know what I am talking about?
My nan has type 2, diagnosed a few years ago, most likely because of her weight, age, etc.
I know with type 1 it can occur on someone who has no family history, but am I right in thinking type 2 usually does have history? So would that mean that my dad has the “gene” from my nan and then passed it onto me?
Cos I read about MODY (type 2 in young peple) and wondered…

Sorry for such a long question, but any help would be much appreciated
I just wondered it anyone else has had these issues, if they could give any more advice, and what they think about these diabetes symptoms that seem to come and go.

ANSWER:
‘anxiety pur and simple.
stop reading medical stuff

QUESTION:
If they start digging around and doing tests and stuff, what might they find?
And should I be concerned?

Going for an ECG in a couple of weeks, and blood tests for Liver function, Kidney function, Gloucose levels etc.

I’m a little worried.

Any advise or reassuring words out there?
Very witty Hot Pink, very witty.
Lol !!

ANSWER:
been through it myself .the worst part is not knowing your mind works overtime ,at least when your results come through if there is a problem help is close at hand.
do hope all your worry was for nothing
all the best

QUESTION:
blood test shows 38 sgot and 85 sgpt all tests for liver and kidney are ok and normal i hv pains in my hands?
wat i have to do for the next test

ANSWER:
1. What type of pains are they?
2. Did they do xray/mri, etc?
3. Besides checking your liver & kidney panel, I am assuming they checked your potassium level?
4. How old are you?
5. Where in the hand are these pains? (closer to wrist, center, near fingers, in fingers, joints)
6. Have they ruled a DVT? (blood clot)

These all seem silly for a little hand pain, but you never know.

QUESTION:
Can a doctor say ur mildly positive for lupus from just taking a blood test?
i had hives… got a blood test.. this dude says im mildly positive for lupus but all my stuff was normal.. such as thyroid, blood count, kidney, liver ALL NORMAL so wts the deal… doesnt he need more tests to even diagnose something like tht! n all because of hives? I have nooo other symptoms… at all.

ANSWER:
The doc might say you are mildly positive for lupus, but it doesn’t actually mean much. Several diagnostics on a typical blood test panel test for inflammation, which occurs with lupus. Also, a positive result on the ANA test means your immune system has antibodies that attack normal tissues. These antibodies can be present without causing any symptoms, but sometimes they are one of the first indicators of an autoimmune problem like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. Maybe this has something to do with your hives and maybe not. The doc did not actually diagnose you with lupus, and there is no apparent reason to suspect you might have lupus since you have no other symptoms. There doesn’t seem to be a compelling reason to follow up with more tests at this point. This result is probably just something to remember in case you start getting some odd symptoms in the future.

There are dozens of possible injuries, disorders, illnesses and conditions that cause back pain. Typically it results from spine or muscle issues. However, sometimes your pain is coming from a different source all together.

A problem with either or both of your kidneys can also cause severe back pain. It could be a kidney infection, kidney stone, or some other kidney disorder. Anyone who has ever had a kidney stone will tell you it’s some of the worst pain they’ve ever experienced.

How can you tell you’re dealing with a kidney problem and not nerve or muscle damage?

The location of your pain is one of your first and most reliable clues. The pain will present in the area above the hips but below the bottom of the rib cage. Unlike the pain that accompanies nerve damage, it is more likely to be felt closer to your sides – not so much near your spinal column.

Kidney pain is also often acute. In other words, it happens suddenly. You can go from “no pain” to “great discomfort” in a relatively short period of time.

Kidney stones often trigger back pain as they move down the urinary tract. Sometimes a kidney stone will become lodged in a ureter, which obstructs the flow of urine from a kidney to the bladder. This is likely to cause severe pain.

Kidney stone pain usually shows up first in the mid-to-lower back. A kidney stone may also cause pain in the abdominal area as well as the back. In some instances, men may feel pain in the testicles.

Pain from a kidney problem often comes on fast and strong. You seem fine – and then a few minutes later you’re dealing with a lot of discomfort.

Kidney stones are a typical cause of back pain, which occurs when they love out of the kidneys, into the ureters, and down toward the bladder. Kidney stones that become “stuck” in the ureters and obstruct the flow of urine to the bladder are likely to cause extreme discomfort.

Besides back pain, one common symptom of a kidney stone or kidney infection include darker-than-average urine.

A burning sensation is also typical, and you’re likely feel the need to urinate more often than usual.

Kidney stones and kidney infections will also usually cause a burning or stinging sensation during urination too.

Medical intervention isn’t always necessary when you have a kidney stone. Sometimes stones pass out of the body on their own during urination. This is more likely to occur if you drink a lot of water. Back pain and discomfort stops immediately.

Fortunately, while kidney stones can cause a great deal of pain, they’re not considered a threat to life.

A kidney infection, however, can lead to kidney failure. When kidney failure is left untreated, it is potentially fatal. This is extremely serious. Therefore, if you even suspect your back pain is coming from kidney stones or a kidney infection, it’s best to call a doctor right away.

Frequently Asked Questions

QUESTION:
39 weeks pregnant Lots of pain and pressure. Back is killing me, kidney stones?
I am 39 weeks pregnant when i went to the dr a week ago i had blood in my urine and some back pain he said i may have kidney stones but did not wanna do xray bc of radiation.. so now I am having tons of pain and pressure and it is much worse back pain than last week!! I don’t know if I am in labor or if its the Kidney stones?? At times it does feel like it is unbearable pain. I just don’t want to go to hospital and them send me home. I have dr appt in the morning. What do you think?

ANSWER:
Do you have access to a digital xray machine? The dose is very low and would not pose a risk to you or the fetus.

If you are in pain, you need to go – they can help you even if it’s “just kidney stones”.

QUESTION:
Lower right side back pressure.?
I have quite a list of symptoms. When i was about 7 I had purpura with my kidneys on the verge of failure before I got better. I am 30 and very active, I force myself to work out at least 3 times a week, I lift weights, run, and play basketball. Ok for my symptoms..
I have had solid green stool 30% of the time, rest its soft green stool but not diarrhea. I have a constant pressure on the right side of my back, just under my ribs, its never a pain, just a pressure without anything physically visible. I am always thirsty, I urinate alot, but its normally not nearly as much as I drink it seems. When i lay down at night my hands and feet often itch for no apparent reason. I am almost always tired and I could sleep 15 hours + a day. I am not in the slightest depressed. I am hoping its not any sort of diabetes but considering my diet and activity I don’t see how it could be. If anyone has any answers or suggestions I thank you !

ANSWER:

QUESTION:
A friend gave birth 3 months ago. She is having pressure in her lower back and pressure in the rectal area.?
she said the pressure feels like she has to push a bowel movement but it never comes. Also she was diagnosed with kidney stones. No one can figure out whats causing the pressure in her lower back and rectum. It all started after she gave birth three months ago. Any ideas?

ANSWER:

QUESTION:
46 year old woman,lower back pain with pressure?
It is not possible for me to be pregnant,and for the last couple of weeks I’ve had lower back pain around the area of my kidneys with pressure aimed towards the abdomen.It seems to be worse in the morning and resembles the pressure and pain one would get from severe constipation.I’ve also had an unsual amount of indigestion,and a”full feeling”.I’ve never been prone to back pain of any kind,and everything else seems normal,even my period.This all started at the same time my period did,but didn’t go away when my period did.I am not constipated and although I’ve been urinating in small amounts only,there’s no blood or discoloration.This pain and pressure is very uncomfortable.Any ideas?

ANSWER:
It could be a UTI urinary tract infectionm if left untreated the infection can go to your kidneys please go to ER asap good luck God bless you

QUESTION:
Should I be worried about my back/kidneys?
Every other week or so, I feel a real strong pressure on my lower left back. It doesn’t hurt as badly if I am laying down or after I go to the bathroom, but driving my car is absolutely dreadful; it hurts to the point where I feel like I should just pull over for a few minutes.
I haven’t contacted my doctor about this, my mother tells me it may just be muscle pain or the way I’m sleeping. But I don’t change my sleeping habits often so I’m afraid it maybe more serious.
Also, once I go to bed for the night, when I wake up in the morning everything goes back to normal it seems.

Should I be worried about this?

ANSWER:
depending on hold old you are it can be growing pains.

if it continues to bother you call the doctor who cares what your parents say. Because you know your body better than anyone.

QUESTION:
alernative treatment instead of partial prostate gland removal for bladder not emptying properly please?
husband was told yesterday that his bladder isnt emptying properly so has been told he needs a partial prostate gland removal.yet his gland isnt that enlarged.he was also told he has back pressure on his kidneys.he doesnt want to have the op so has anyone been in this situation and found alternative treatment for this problem? any advice appreciated. one worried husband…..sue

ANSWER:
Go see another urologist! I had the same problem and just take a daily pill which works wonders. I would not even tell the new urologist he has seen anyone else, just so he has a completely impartial opinion. Partial prostate removal is usually one of the last and most drastic measures.

QUESTION:
Can a UTI spread to other areas & cause pain?
Ive been taking antibiodics for a UTI, but its been a week and now I have more symptoms:
*pain on right side-lower back( kidney area)
*hurts when I breath on right side in the middle area of my back(lungs)
*pressure in my chest
*headache
***and I ache all over-especially in my back & neck
I thought it might be a kidney infection, but I dont have a fever so I don’t know whats wrong.. Any ideas?

They seem to have lots of information on anything from adult toys to sexual health to women’s health issues

From reading the article, it sounds like it may be more kidney related, but I’d go to a doctor just to be sure

Good luck and hope you feel better soon!

QUESTION:
pain in my back and kidneys i think I’m dying?
when i run i have a sharp pian in my lower back near my kidneys,,,and when i dont apply pressure it hurts when i realseas

ANSWER:
It could be a couple of things. You could have a sore or pulled muscle in that area or there could be something wrong with your kidneys. I definitely advise you to go see a doctor because kidneys are VERY important and you wouldn’t want anything to happen to one from an infection. Have you gotten hit in your kidneys? That is a big problem too. You should really go see your doctor and tell him what’s going on. He will probably take a urine sample and see if you have an infection.

Good luck!

QUESTION:
Abdominal cramping, lower back/tailbone pressure?
I am having abdominal cramping, very similar to menstrual cramps (currently mid-cycle), accompanied by a lot of pressure in my lower back, from hip to hip, as well as in my tailbone.
I called a nurse advice line a couple of days ago when it started as left flank pain accompanied by very small amounts of spotting. She advised me to go to the ER. I have no health problems and never have. At the ER, doc suspected kidney stones. Blood work and CT scan came back normal, so he sent me home with pain meds (Norco) that are barely helping at all.
Now the pain has moved from being localized on my left side (front and back) to being more generalized in my pelvic area, below my belly button, and my lower back and tailbone.
I have never experienced anything like this. Anyone have any ideas what it could be?

ANSWER:
It seems you may have a severe case of Mittelschmerz. If you never heard of mittelscherz, it is a word translated from German word for “middle pain”.

Many sites have a “when to see the doctor”. You have, and you are a case like many with a problem nobody wants to solve. I hope you have a better outcome soon.

Just do a search for the word mittleschmerz and you will find many helpful sites such as these:

QUESTION:
high blood pressure, urine problem, back pain, headache, neck pain?
I am 28 yrs male. I am taking ramipril 5mg (1 in the morning per day) for my high blood pressure from 27 march. My doctor gave me ECG, blood test and urine (24 hr) test. So, far he has said my ecg and blood tests are all good. After my urine test he gave me an ultrasound of kidneys test.

I have back pain, frequent urination and pain some times. I have a sharp pain in the right side under ribs. This pain does not exist all time.

I have hand and leg swelling. I have headache and neck pain as well.
I have hernia problem as well.

I am very anxious about my health condition.

Is there anyone can tell me about it?

ANSWER:
As per the symptoms you have stated, the problem is your kidneys. One of my friend had the same symptoms. And his kidneys were diagnosed.*

QUESTION:
Does anyone know what would cause pressure in the mid back on both sides right under the ribs?
It feels like pressure… right around the kidney area I think. Right under the ribs, but above the waist. Usually on the right side , but sometimes both. It comes and goes and usually is worse when I am having lots of problems with allergies. I read something awhile back that said when you have asthma the pressure could be a symptom. Any ideas?

ANSWER:
That is exactly where the kidneys are. Best to see a doctor to get it checked. Other possible causes include heavy lifting, sitting posture, sports injury…

It is: A belt of lower back and pelvic pain.
It started: Feb 2010
It’s been going for: A year and a half
I’ve seen: 6 different doctors.
They all say: It’s a pulled muscle, or they don’t know what’s wrong.

There’s been no trauma to my spine or pelvic area.
I’ve done no heavy lifting.
I’ve never been pregnant, though I am sexually active.
My first and last pap smear was December 2009 .
I took birth control from Jan 2010-June 2010, and haven’t taken it since.
I’ve been taking advil, naproxen, tylenol and even oxycodine, no relief comes from any of them.

The pain is worse with exercise, and movement in general.
The pain is also worse with rest and stress.
Sex doesn’t hurt, and there’s no pain, burning or itching with peeing.
The only relief I get is when I am in a pool, the water just takes away all the pressure.
If I take too deep of a breath, the tight pain travels up to my upper back, behind the ribs.

I’ve had a pelvic exam, blood test, urine test, and an ultra sound.
They all came back normal.
I’m having a pap smear on the 16th because the last doctor I saw, refused to give me one.

I feel like killing myself, rather than having to live another day with this pain.
It’s ruining my body. I’ve gained 20 pounds because the pain is so bad I can’t exercise like I used to.
It’s ruining my relationship with my fiancee.
I snap at him and get cranky or annoyed very easily.
It’s flat out ruining my life and I just can’t take it anymore.
I can’t take the pain and the crying and the fighting and the stress of not knowing what’s wrong with me.
It’s sending me into a pit of endless depression.
I feel so alone and helpless.
I need someone to help me.
I need someone to understand the extent of pain I’ve been in for this long.
I need someone to actually listen, to put all the symptoms together instead of looking at them one by one. Please help me.

ANSWER:

QUESTION:
Any ideas what this strange abdominal and back pain may be?
A week ago I had a sharp pain in my lower right back. It’s about where my kidney is. I thought little of it, but the next couple days it happened periodically, then I felt what I can only describe as something inside there pushing outwards kind of pressure along with pain, but it was off and on.—

Eventually this was accompainied by some lower right abdominal pains, occasional nausea, light headedness, disorientation, etc. The doctor say there was no blood in my urine, he thought it unlikely to be my gall bladder and very unlikely to be my appendix.—

He put me on ranitidine (Zantac), and did blood tests to check for infection (they aren’t back yet). Today, 2 days later, the “pressure” is much worse, and the pain in my abdomen more steady, along with more frequent back (kidney area) pains.

Urination is normal, bowel movements mostly normal, though a decrease in appetite. No fever. Just feels like I’m carrying a full water balloon between bottom rib and hip bone. Idea

ANSWER:
It completely sounds like you are passing kidney stones. You don’t have to have blood in your urine for these calcium deposits to work their evil way out of you, your body may have already broken down a large stone that was not at first able to pass. It is excruciatingly painful to not pass kidney stones because you need to do lithotripsy first. See a competent urologist. I can’t believe your doc didn’t even mention kidney stones…Good luck, and God Bless.

QUESTION:
Im peeing a lot, Pain in my right lower back, right about where my kidney is, and pain/pressure in abdomen?
I have been peeing a lot lately, every time i finish I still feel like I could pee and about 20 mins later ill pee again
I also have been having pain in my right lower back where my kidney is I am thinking..that has been something that has been going on for a long time on and off
and I have been pee tested for a uti and everything like that and got nothing…no UTI or anything like that and that was a couple months back
and associated with the peeing ive been having a lot of lower abdominal pain twords the middle/left side..that kinda feels like pressure too more than it feels like pain but it does hurt…and
I read something about it being a possible pregnancy….which worried me a little bit because of the way i’ve been eating lately (could also be stress)
and ive had more discharge than usual lately…but ive had my period twice since the last time i had sex so….i dont really know what to think
any ideas?

ANSWER:

QUESTION:
What is this Severe Burning/Pressure Lower Back Pain That Worsens When Sititng or Lying Down?
I am a 24/F who has been having kidney area pains for the last week. Today I woke up (while lying straight) in immense burning/pressurized pain in my lower back (localized to just my spine, not the area around it!). I sat up and it hurt worse. So, I walked to the couch (and it still hurt but def not as bad) and sat down—oh, the pain came back! Then I decided to lay flat again and the pain worsened! What is going on? I have never heard of pain getting worse when you lie down. This is absurd! Can anyone help me, please? (Also, pain when bending forward to reach for an object). It’s obviously someting to do with my spine.
Thank you all for your answers. They are helpful and gave me something to ponder… As for the kidney stones, I really thought I had those a week ago. I heard that you do not feel them while IN your kidney, but while they are passing out the tube (urethra? sp?) that connects your bladder and kidney, you can really feel the pain. Today, the pain is in the dip of my back in the center, not the outer areas. It feels like the bone is burning, so I think this is somewhat different. I think it is the spine. I am going to call the doctor and probably get an exray to see what could be going on in there. I was curious to see if anyone had had similar problems or knew what could be going on. I’m not ruling out kidney stones… or lower spinal problems. I did google the symptoms and it came up with malignant spine tumor (AHH…), but that just gives me more reason to go to the doctor and take the pain seriously! THank you, again!

ANSWER:
I would consult a physician it could be just about anything . There is obviously something wrong and you just can’t get a proper diagnosis here .

QUESTION:
Whats wrong with me?! Back, Kidney, Colon.. gah!?
I went to the Dr. a few weeks ago after sitting at the race all weekend and it caused my back to be very painful. I ended up having to go to the Dr. and they said I was having back spasms. In the x-rays though the Dr. talked more about how full my colon was. I didn’t want to talk about it then, but I do not have bowl movements but maybe 1-2 times a week and my fiancee says thats odd. Ha ha. Well I am having enternal pain along with my back muscles still hurting. I am not sure if I have a kidney infection, though no burning urine, or if maybe it is pressure from my colon?!? Just my back. I just hurt all around my core to the touch externally, and internally my stomach has been odd. I am hungry to much, my stomach has killer cramps when I am a bit hungry. And my back is killing me, even while on antiinflammitories and muscle relaxers.

ANSWER:
You should have bowel movements once a day. You could have a sensitive bowel. Go back to your doctor and talk about it. You can help your bowel move along by adding more fiber to your diet, exercise, and drinking plenty of fluids (water!). It could be caused by stress or poor diet.

But I’m no doctor, definitely have that checked out!

QUESTION:
Having to pee A LOT!!!!!! Is this normal? SOMEBODY PLEASE ANSWER!?
Ohkay soo I have to pee a lot. Like a lot more than I’ve ever had to in my life! I was thinking that I probably have a kidney infection or UTI but the wierd thing is that it doesn’t hurt or burn whatsoever whenever I pee. And my pees clear and doesn’t smell. Like this is getting ridicilous to the point where I can pee up to 4 times within the hour before I go to sleep. And if I even so happen wake up just to take a SIP of water I’m woken up within an hour having to pee again! And another thing is that it seems like it really only bothers me if I’m in a certain position. Like usually if I get up to walk I’ll have to pee. And if I lay on my right side I feel the urge to pee a lot more rather than if I lay on my back or left side?? Idk I just know that I feel like I’m dehydrating myself now because if how much I have to pee. And if I don’t pee I start to feel A TON of pressure in my pelvic area. Like not necessarily an urge to pee, but A TON OF PRESSURE! It’s more uncomfortable than anything. Is this normal?? Does this usually happen with UTI’s or kidney infections? I have other symptoms of a UTI or kidney infection. Like pressure in my abdomen, dull aches in my lower back, pressure and pains in my pelvic area and sometimes I can feel my kidneys hurt. And another thing sometimes AFTER I pee or make a bowel movement I feel a great deal of pressure in my pelvic area.

ANSWER:
It could be anything from a Urinary Tract Infection or a kidney infection. I just recommend seeing a urologist or your doctor.
Good luck and I hope you get better soon!

QUESTION:
Lower back pain or Kidneys?
Healthy 23 year old male here. Seems like I have lower back pain. its only on the right side really where “love handles” would be but more on the side to the back and its not a sharp pain it just feels pressure like strained or something, and a little pain below the arch in my back. Was out friday night dancing for hours. I drank quite a bit but I do not drink frequently. Cant remember lifiting anything heavy but It feels tight when i bend over to the left side. Does this sound like I strained my back dancing and stuff or more in the kidney or am I just overreacting lol. I am a bit of a hypochondriac.
No I had one caffeine free diet coke about 4 days ago and that was the first time I had had a soda in Months. I maybe drink 10 sodas in a Year. I drink Water, Green Tea, Sweet Tea, Gatorade and Powerade
I was looking at a picture on google and it is RIGHT where the Lattisimus Dori muscles are. Its not a big pain its more like a pull or a dull sensation with tightness.

ANSWER:
It’s probably not your kidneys, those are not in the lower back. You may have lumbar stenosis (which is common and not life threatening) or maybe you just pulled something. Stretch your back by lying flat on the floor and slowly bring your knees to your chest, or as close you can get without it hurting, hold your knees for a count of 10-15 then slowly put your legs down straight. Do this a couple times a day when you’re feeling pain. If you do any heavy lifting, use your knees, not your back.

QUESTION:
Lower Back Pain. Strain? Kidneys? Help?
It is not a throbbing pain it only hurts when I twist my body or try to get out of bed or move positions in bed. I would say its about a 5 on a 1to10 scale. Now I do have a bad mattress and for the past few months i have had this lower back pain on both sides every once and a while. This one is on the right side and it feel like its in the area of my last rib and its also goes toward the spine. Im one of those people that when something feels wrong I go to WebMD and I read all these things and wonder maybe I have this or that, then I get scared. I did the symptom checker and now I scared I have kidney infection or acute renal failure. I can urinate good and i have no pain. Though it does mention damage from medication. I was diagnosed with High Blood Pressure and have been on a low dose 12 mg pill since Sept2010. Also a month ago I did have this dry pain in my penis when I had and erection. Maybe it was a UTI that has traveled to my kidneys? But I can urinate good. This is embarrassing but I think that pain in my penis was caused by frequent masturbation. Anyway I see the Doctor Friday but the waiting is killing me. What can it be?

Also sitting up in bed helps. When I lay flat it feels like the pain is worse.

ANSWER:
It sounds like its a back issue. I completely understand having a hard time telling the difference between kidney pain and back pain. I am often in the same boat and struggle with both.

The reason I say back pain vs kidney pain is because you say movement can make it better/worse, this is a symptom of back pain.

QUESTION:
Is there a difference between cysts on the kidneys and in the kidneys?
My mom has two on her kidneys and the doctor said that it could cause her back pain and high blood pressure. Im trying to find out if its the cause for some of her other problems. Is there a difference? Also, are there some other symptoms of cysts on the kidneys?

ANSWER:
Most kidney cysts are asymptomatic. I have one, and it’s recently begun to cause me lower back pain on the same side. My blood pressure became high 5 months after the cyst was discovered. So far the cyst has not been treated. Here’s a link with some information:

http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/cysts/

Cysts in the kidney is a very different matter and can be caused by polycystic disease. That’s a dangerous disease. You can google that for more information.

QUESTION:
Kidney stone entered bladder after three days since initial pain, okay to urinate it out?
I’m trying to avoid a doctor visit and just suck it up. But considering I don’t know the size of the stone, I’m curious if its dangerous to try and pass it through my urethra.

Semi-severe pain three days ago (Sunday morning), but lasted 20 mins. Monday morning was less pain that lasted about 15 minutes, but later that afternoon it hurt for a few hours due to me laying down rolling around on my back, not able to get comfortable. After slouching in my chair (pressure off my back/kidney) for 20 mins it went away. Tuesday was very mild. A few 5-min chair breaks took care of discomfort. Wednesday morning I can feel the stone low in my pelvis, pain and discomfort (not as bad as Monday). Sitting in chair didnt work, pain was more from the stone and not my kidney. About two hours of this and the pain fades causing me to urinate. Stone passed into my bladder, urine behind it went into my bladder and urethra.

Seeing as its only been three days and no blood, should I try and urinate it out?

ANSWER:
some kidney stones can be flushed out of the system when urinating but sometimes, the stone gets lodged into the urethra causing further damage to your urinary system..

you can try straining your urine to check if you’re flushing it out but let me tell you that a visit to your nephrologist is what you really need, if the stone is too to flush out big–surgery is needed but if it’s still small, i think they will recommend you to drink (im not really sure if it’s cranberry or apple juice) something that can dissolve it and flush it out of ur system..

drink lots of water and avoid salty food!
take care of ur kidneys!

QUESTION:
Side/Back hurts when urinating?
I started to notice this yesterday but whenever I go to the bathroom, I get a severe pressure type pain on my right side and in my back. The pressure is actually worse in the back. It only hurts when I urinate though and for like 5 minutes after wards. Im worried about kidney problems only because I suffer from chronic pancreas problems and for the past few months I though it was safer to take large amounts of tylenol instead of using narcotic pain medicine. I had a blood test last week that showed that I have actually been overdosing my body on tylenol without even realizing it. Could this effect the kidneys or could it simply just be a kidney infection? My urine is normal color though. Any idea what could be causing this horrible pain? If it helps Im 22 years old.

ANSWER:
Sounds like a kidney infection, you should get cheked out.

QUESTION:
I’m having sharp pains in my left side & lower back. Also very intense pressure on my uterus…?
What could be wrong? Is it the sign of a kidney stone or a real intense start of a mentrual cycle? Or something else? Please help!

ANSWER:
It does sound like a kidney stone, but I’m not a doctor. I recommend getting to the doctor or ER while you’re still functional.

If it is a kidney stone, it may be accompanied by nausea and fever and it can be hard to get around when you feel like that. Plus, the ER will have morphine (ahhhhhhh!)

For me it started with what felt like a twingy ovary on my right side, then turned into pain in my back – felt like a pulled muscle or perhaps that creature from Alien trying to get out…..

EDIT: Don’t be afraid. If this is a stone, you’re not going to die, and you probably won’t require surgery. Again, I’m not a doctor, but that second person sounded a bit alarmist and you shouldn’t get freaked out.

QUESTION:
I have low back pain and I have high blood pressure & Diabeties I haven’t felt good for several days?
I have swollen hands & feet. Yellow in the whites of my eyes. My urine is dark. Could this be my Kidneys?

ANSWER:
Sounds more like a bladder infection to me but I’m not a doctor.
The Diabetes & HBP both or by themselfs, will make you feel rotten, until you get the blood pressure down or BS down. Call your doctor it may be as simple as taking an extra pill BUT what one, is for the doctor to decide not you.
I went thru this a few weeks ago with the heat wave thru California.
The dark urine tells you, you are not drink enough clear liquids, as a diabetic you need to stay away from the black sodas anyway. Yellowing of the eyes is mostly from the liver, it is having to work over time from something you are eating or not getting in your diet.
See your doctor when all these syptomes are present so they can make a correct Dx.

QUESTION:
Would a regular urine collection at your physicians office show any signs of pelvic inflammatory disease?
My blood work was fine just a slight lower kidney function, also my urine was checked for a UTI and was fine. But I have a lot of pain in my lower back and pressure in my pelvis.I have some other symptoms as well that are associated with PID.

ANSWER:

QUESTION:
i have had extreme pain in mainly the lower region of my back and neck?
lower back region by my kidneys both sides, it feels a load of pressure is pushing on my spine but the pain feels so bad,my bones are making crunching noises around my shoulder blades and lower back region.Then when i stretch back my lower back feels alittle better,but is painfull.I am getting little dizzy spells, but when doing this it relieves the pressure. I know that when doing it cannot be helping the matter.but worrying it feels getting worse an iam having to click my back to release that pressure and i am forever hearing my bones crunch what could be my problem? thankyou

ANSWER:

QUESTION:
My blood pressure has consistently been in the 160′s over low 100′s?
I see a doc. at childrens (reneolgy and urology), but it’s not for about 5 months. What do u think i should do, is this too long to wait? (I’m a 17 yr. old girl, and also have kidney problems-reflux back to kidneys)
I went to the er once b/c my bp was about 110′s over 124.
…About 6 months ago

ANSWER:
You need to call the office and tell them about your high BP and try to get an earlier appointment. If not go to your family Dr. or go into emergency as that BP is dangerously high

QUESTION:
Lower back pain should I be concern?
2 weeks ago my boyfriend and I were cuddling on his couch. Out of the blue he picked me up and my back hit is stomach area. I remember feeling a slight pain in the left side of my lower back where my kidneys are but I didn’t think much of it. All we did was cuddle on the couch. I thought maybe if I took it easy for a few days it would get better. Since then whenever there is pressure on my lower back I’m feeling pain, both sides. The other day we were at my friend’s house watching a movie and I got a hit of pain on my right side when we got a little closer. Should I be concerned? My job is giving me new insurance when the New Year starts so I want to wait until I get my new insurance so my medical records don’t get all mixed up.
I will be seeing a doctor after I get my new insurance.

ANSWER:

QUESTION:
My back/kidney hurts?
Hello,

My back hurts right where my kidney is, what can this be? My mom has a kidney disease, but this is only present if both of your parents have the trait, and my dad doesn’t. It hurts bad, like a pressure pain at the same time as it feels like someone is stabbing me in my back. It’s making me feel as I can’t breath at the same time as moving. I can’t ask her anything because every time I have something wrong she calls me a hypochondriac if it has anything to do with the kind of pains she has, but I can almost guarantee it’s my kidney or something right at that spot. What could this be? And more importantly, how can I make the pain stop. This is one of the worst pains I’ve felt in my life.

Please help,

Ryan

P.S. I know I didn’t sleep on it wrong, because I took a nap at 7PM last night, woke up at 1:00AM, and went back to sleep at 7AM; the pains started at 5AM, 4 hours after I woke up.
Also it feels a little bit better when I put pressure on it.
It hurts where the top of my fist is from my hip bone. And the pain wont go away at all, unless I put some pressure on it then it just dies down then immediately comes back. I’ve tried taking a nap and woke up with the same pain. I’ve taken 2 tylonol 500mg tablets and they didn’t help at all. And I don’t see blood when I pee. Thanks for helping guys, hope I got everything.

ANSWER:
First: have you taken anything for the pain at all? If you can, take Ibuprofen 800 mg with food every six hours with Tylenol Extra Strength 1000 mg in between if the ibuprofen does not quite do it. They are different medications and therefore are able to be taken in this manner.
If the pain is colicky in nature (comes in waves), sharp, and stabbing it could be a kidney stone or pyelonephritis (kidney infection).
Usually, pressing on it does not relieve the pain of either of these problems so I do have to wonder if it is musculoskeletal.
Where exactly does it hurt? The kidneys are situated in the small of the back about a fist size or so above the top of the hip bones.
Are you seeing any blood when urinating?
In the case that it is either a stone or an infection, pushing fluids (particularly water) is the best thing.
If the pain recurs, you should call your family doctor or see a urologist or, with pain that cannot be controlled, go to the ER

QUESTION:
I fell on my back and my left back hurts, i believe it is internal?
I fell directly on my back from about 6 feet up onto my back last thursday night. It is not wednesday and i still have considerable pain in my left back. I feel like it is internal and that perhaps i have a bruised organ, maybe my kidney. The pain is constantly there next to my left hip, but not the bone, and my back is very sensitive to pressure up to the half way point. What could be any reason for this and is medical attention recommended?

ANSWER:

QUESTION:
Can backed up bowels cause pain around the kidneys?
I had a little bit of trouble making my last few bowel movements, I have had more has than normal. I have discomfort/pressure in the middle to lower part of back. Just today I have just started feeling a little bit nauseous. I also suffer from extreme anxiety.

My symptoms:

- discomfort/pressure/minor pain in middle to lower part of back

- naseus

- very gassy

- head ache

ANSWER:

QUESTION:
I have a swollen kidney from being 33 weeks pregnant help!?
I could get something called a stent put in to relieve the pressure of my kidney but the thing is I was told it would just have to be removed after the baby is born. And that is in like just a few weeks from now. I don’t have a fever or anything serious just back pain and pressure. I am also curious as to the labor. Like can I deliver alright with a swollen kidney? I don’t see why not but I am not sure. In the end I just don’t want to waste my time getting some type of surgery done when in a couple of weeks all of this will be over. I also was told that a stent could make you go into contractions and I don’t want my baby to come any earlier than he has to for his own safety. Please I need helpful advice. Thank you for listening.

ANSWER:
my advise is to wait. PLEASE!!! I am now 38 weeks and will deliver on friday due to my Hydronephrosis. I had a stent put in at at 33 weeks and even though it was a simple surgery it was the worst pain i had ever felt in my life and that includes c-section and apendix. I was warned that there was a posibility that it could put me into labor and sure enough they had to race me out of recovery to stop my contractions. And 2 days later i went into labor again. After almost 2 weeks with the stent in I had it removed. The pain went away imediatly and so did the blood in my urine!! Yes, after the stent was in I had bloody urine for 2 weeks!! All the doctors i have seen have told me stents in pregnant women dont have the best reputation. Good Luck.

QUESTION:
Sharp pain in lower back, stomach cramping, kidney stones?
For the past week I’ve been having trouble using the bathroom. And today I started getting these sharp pains in my lower right side of my back and through my hip area, and I’m getting this weird feeling where my uterus is, like almost what a bladder infection would feel like, but only worse. And when I go to use the bathroom I get all this pressure and it hurts real bad. Does this sound like kidney stones, or something else?

ANSWER:

QUESTION:
Back-maybe kidney pain?
I have been having these pains in the lower right side of my back (right above my belt) and I think it comes more when I drink a lot of soft drinks. But they usually go away after about ten minutes. Today its been going on for hours just off and on. It’s not a real bad pain just kind of irritating. And when the pain comes, it seems like it comes in waves. I don’t drink much water and have high blood pressure. My guess is possible kidney stone. How can I dissolve it without passing it if it is one? Thanks

ANSWER:
Whether you can pass it or not depends on where it is located and its size and shape. It does sound like a kidney stone, but the only way to know for sure is to get a CT scan.

They used to recommend drinking lots of water but they have kind of backed off that now.

QUESTION:
How much time does my grama have left?
My grandma is in the hospital right now. She has a fever of 106. Her blood pressure is at 130/ 26. One of her lungs has collapsed and her oxygen is at 88%. She had congestive heart failure on sat and they brought her back. her kidneys have given out as well.

ANSWER:
i hate to tell you this but since her kidneys have shut down, it does not seem like there is too much time left. i went through the exact same thing with my grandma. mine was ready to go thought. i hope everything will be ok.
Summer

QUESTION:
Does Creatine kill the Kidneys? Am I a victim?
Basically its like this:

- I’m 5’10 175-180 lbs
- Been taking one scoop of High Performance Creatine Powder – Precision Engineered® mixed w/ 8-10 oz of water.
- Work out 3 to 4 times a week for 1hr – 1 1/2
- Only drink creatine before workouts. Sometimes I’d drink it and something would come up so i didnt burn it off that day.
- Muscles got well rounded, lost body fat, got TONS of complements on my build. But then…….

- 4 months ago got severe headaches, mostly right on crown and world was spinning.
- Urine stream got weak if i held it a while (stream normal when I didn’t have to hold that long)
- A week ago, severe chest pains shooting numbness down my left arm. Emer Room tested, my heart strong, blood pressure fine down the middle. Said I pulled a pec muscle. Creatinine (waste of creatine) high however. 1.9 , norm is .8 to 1.4 or so.
- Now, my calf muscles are really week, feet feel flushed, burning sensation in back where kidneys are.

Need a retest. Am I screwed

ANSWER:
Hey man, creatine wont have that big of an effect on your body. Unless you are allergic to it, which I doubt you are. Just get off it for a week, and then go back to it. If you feel better, and then when you take it again feel worse, than your body might not like it so don’t do it. There is plenty of stuff better than creatine for you now adays anyways. Plus, your body can only take about 3-5 grams of it a day, so when you have to much, you just pee it out. And science has yet to figure out if creatine damages anything. So likei said, break from it for a little, then get back and see. You should be fine. And don’t work out so hard if you pulled a pec muscle. If you take anything, take protein. NO Xplode is good too, you may like the energy and pumps from that. Good Luck and try not to worry about your creatine situation. Week off, then try again. Later

-Dave

QUESTION:
In need of advice for bad back pain lasting over 2 weeks!?
Wednesday February 9th late at night I started to feel bad back pain. I went to bed thinking it was just back pain nothing else.

* I had not done anything to my back.
* I had not lifted anything to heavy.
* I had not fallen at all
* I had not been hit at all

Thursday February 10th I woke up early morning in alot of back pain. So much back pain that:

1.) I couldnt put any pressure on my back (meaning i couldnt put my back against anything)

2.) I could not stand up straight at all (I am so bent over and cannot stand straight at all I look like a question mark or the hunch back)

3.) The pain is horrible 10 or higher! Its from my butt to my neck. Most of the pain is lower back!

4.) I was getting sick from the pain (sick as in throwing up, when I move or even when laying still)

5.) The only thing I could keep down was toast.

6.) Nothing can touch my back a tiny bit of pressure makes the pain worse!

7.) I can hardly walk due to the pain in my back and the fact im bent so much

8.) I cannot do anything on my own do to all the pain and being bent so far.

I started calling my doctors about help due to everything heres the info that they have said and tests they ran and test results:

1.) Hospital ran a pee test saying my symptoms seemed like kidney stones.
—Answer came back I do not have kidney stone, but I do have small amounts of blood in my urine (not on period)

2.) Hosptial ran a xray to make sure of kidney stones
— Answer xray came out negative for kidney stones
—- Released from hospital with medication for a possible infection.

3.) Seen my normal doctor she ran a pee test, and checked me out.
—Answer Pee test came out with just small amounts of blood in my urine.
— Answer checking me out she said she thought I had some type of infection taking over my body so she gave me pain medications to cure my infection.
**** Pain medication did not help > actually made me really sick.

4.) Seen a sports care doctor (aka back doctor) They said they could tell I was not in good shape and said it was probably just a musle spasum. But said it was obvious I am not well. They did a xray of my spine.
—- Answer, xray showed my l4 & l5 lumbar are fused together
**** Doctor said maybe that is why I’m in so much pain, they gave me pain medication and set me up for an mri to see if my nerves in my l4 & l5 lumbar are damanged or not.

5.) Pain medication did not help actually made me more sick

6.) February 22nd had my mri done.

7.) February 24th the doctor called and said my mri showed that my nerves are not damaged. But that my disk below my L5 is bulging.
**** They said that would be causing a little bit of the pain but not all the pain im in.
***** THey said they dont know what else is wrong and advised me to see a pain managment doctor.

8.) The doctor gave me pain medication and pain patches to wear but that is all they offered. They said when my pain goes to a 5 and im able to walk more and stand up more then ill have to go through physical therapy > but no idea when that will be.

With all that is said above,
1.) I’m still in alot of back pain
2.) I’m still unable to stand up (still bent downward!)
3.) I’m still getting sick off and on.
4.) Pain meds are not helping at all.
5.) Still unable to have anything touch my back as it adds more pain!
6.) Unable to do anything!

I’m looking for any advice, or ideas to try or even to look into! Anything would be appreciated! I’v delt with this for far to long, and cannot do anything at all! I’d like to have my life back. I’d like to find an answer or a different option to fix the pain issue so i’m able to stand up and have no pain or at least less pain! Right now doctors I’m personally seeing have thrown their hands up in the air and said they dont know and can no longer help. If you could please offer any kind of advice on what I should do or another type of doctor to look into seeing or even tell me something you think it could be so I can look up information on it or anything else I’d honestly with all my heart appreciate it! This has taken over my body, and has taken over my life. I no longer can live a normal life. I’d like to get back to normal and be able to do things again! Please…

Please! And thank you to those who offer any kind of advice or ideas or exc. Myself, and my family are trying so hard but were running out of ideas so I thought id try to get others help at this point. Ill do anything for answers. And maybe you can think of something we havnt or even my doctors havnt!

QUESTION:
Can a blood test figure out if theirs something wrong with my gallbladder or kidneys?
I have been feeling really tired lately for the past couple of days, I’ve also had this pain/pressure in the middle of my back (around my kidneys). I am sometimes nauseas but it doesn’t last for long. Im very gassy. I also have a weird bitter taste in my mouth. I went to the doctor yesterday and he took a urine sample, it came back compltely normal. He has sent me for a blood test. I also have really bad anxiety. So i automatically think theres something really wrong with me. I’m 15 and male

ANSWER:

QUESTION:
Two periods in one month?
My cycles are somewhat irregular, usually ranging between 26-31 days, but more often than not, around 27-29 days. Only, this month, I am having a second period?! I just had one starting on the 14th. Lasted 5 days as usual, cramps, mood swings and all. Now, I just started bleeding again today. I was wondering if this would happen because I noticed the usual changes I have before my period (increase discharge, moody). Now that I started bleeding, I’m having cramps/ pressure…mostly back pain, and lots of pressure “down there” and in my bum…??

History:
I had a similar episode with the pressure not long ago, maybe 3-4 weeks ago. I had pain in my left abdomen (front and back, not so much on the side) and tons of pressure and some crampiness/back pressure/pain. Was told to go to the e-room, so I did. Tested for kidney stones and found nothing on CT scan or in blood work and was given IV. Followed up with my doc and she said bladder infection. Took antibiotics and later came down with staph infection on skin. Now I’m on my second week of strong antibiotics (ones used for MRSA) and skin is pretty much healed up.
A couple of days ago, my chest broke out overnight and looked like heat rash (folliculitis) which has since cleared up. Now, this…I feel like a crazy person! I don’t wanna go BACK to the doctor yet again…I feel like a hypochondriac, but I’m not imagining any of this. Could it just be stress with everything else going on with my body? My daughter started pre-k and is being defiant, and my husband is on his first deployment since joining the Army. So, def PLENTY of stressors.

Does this sound like the symptoms could possibly all be related? Is it cause for concern? Or likely just my body’s way of reacting to all of this stress?

ANSWER:
unfortunately, you can have two periods in one month. it’s normal. you can be the most regular woman in the world and suddenly get two in a month. happens to all of us. i know it sucks but it’s normal. you have a lot of stress, which would actually delay a period. your symptoms are unrelated

QUESTION:
What can cause Pressure in Head and Miscellaneous Symptoms?
Alright from the top: About a month ago I went into the ER because I had performed a self-examination and felt that one of the sides of my scrotum felt larger to me than the other and was therefore afraid that I had cancer. As a side note this intensified after I had worked out extra hard for the first time in about 6 months. They had diagnosed me with a Varicocele and had also noted what they called a benign cyst on the right side after performing an Ultrasound. Therefore, I was much relieved as I got a report of no cancer and my blood work came back normal along with the other normal tests (i.e. kidney, thyroid, liver, pancreas).

However, since that time I have experienced the following symptoms both on an occasional and constant basis:

Occasional

Jabbing pain in armpit
Pressure in Back of Head
Pain in Shoulder Blade
Pain in side
Dull feeling in Groin
Pelvic Pain
Sweating at palms

Constant

Fatigue in legs
No strong desire to eat – do so because I should
Feel hot but no fever – actually temperature lower than 98.6 (i.e. 97.6)

It just seems a little weird to me that all of these started. I was actually running on the treadmill about a week ago and I had to get off because the pressure in the back of my head had built up so much it felt like it was going to explode. My headaches are always in the back of my head now and they do not throb, they are just like a dull sensation. I have went to 5 doctors and they are telling me that I am fine and it is related to anxiety. However, I have not been sick in like 5 years and I know how to separate the mental from the physical. None of them have ordered a CT/MRI and therefore they are going off of the blood work and the ultrasound. However, I am still concerned and it is driving me crazy. Please provide me some guidance!

ANSWER:
Your symptoms don’t fit into a category and that is the problem with doctors. Though it doesn’t mean you are not suffering. But if the ultrasound abdomen & pelvis, blood tests etc are normal, you shouldn’t stress over it. Eat healthy and go for daily exercises to keep fit. You may suggest your doc to get CT done on brain, just to rule out things. Have a second opinion.
Good luck!

QUESTION:
Mild right lower back pain, day 32 no period, tubes tied, last week had pressure when I pee, What’s wrong?
Ok, last week all the sudden I felt a pressure in my vagina, almost felt like something was hanging down inside. It did not hurt, it was just weird. As the night went on, The pressure bothered me and I felt as if I had to urinate, I’d sit on the toliet, but the pressure was there but I wasnt peeing, or much at all- This continued through the next day, and then bad lower right side back pain started. I never had pain or burning when I went pee. Just a pressure for 1 day- I had no fever- I went to the drugstore and found a AZO kit and took it- It came back positive(UTI test)-so, I drank lots of cranberry juice and water- The pain in my lower back was still there. I started to take an antibiotic(Cephalexin)(some left overs from a friend-yeah, I know bad!!! But, our health Ins. ran out and I don’t have any til Sept-due to my husbands new job)anyhow , the back pain is still mild and there- I am done with what antibiotic I had, I am on day 32 with no period yet- Which I can go 28 to 36 days normally- I had my tubes tied 5 years ago durning my C-section. I question if I could be pregnant? I thougtht maybe a Kidney infection, bladder infection? But, my symtomns were soo strange and not common to those I’ve read about! Anyone offer some help? I have a Dr appt schedules for Sept 8, I will then have health ins. But, in the mean time, I am concerned, I worry about cancers? HELP!!!

ANSWER:
sounds like a pregnancy …. but i think the chances would be so slim.. thats how i felt when i got pregnant though… but then i had a stabbing like pain also..
cancer is also very scary.. i guess the only way is to go to a doc.. hopefully you will get some answers on your appt. its just so far away. you cant see anyone sooner?
check out this link….

QUESTION:
Role of aldosterone in increasing blood pressure?
Aldosterone stimulates the re-absorption of sodium ions from the kidneys, which increases water retention. This acts to increase blood pressure.

I don’t really understand that statement. Is sodium reabsorbed into the kidneys (and then released in urine) or is it reabsorbed back into the blood, and what does it mean by “water retention”? How does this result in increased blood pressure?

ANSWER:
Aldosterone stimulates reabsorption of Na+ ion from the filtrate (i.e., the soon-to-be urine) in the distal convoluted tubules into the blood. That increases the concentration of Na+ in the blood, which consequently increases the osmolarity of the blood. The increased osmolarity attracts water from the filtrate to the blood; that is, water follows the sodium into the bloodstream. As a result, you retain water that you’d otherwise pee out. Arteries and arterioles are elastic, springy, so increased blood volume increases the blood pressure, just as the pressure in a water balloon increases as you add water.
m

QUESTION:
Othe than the liver, does Alcohol effect the kidneys?
My husband has been a heavy drinker for years, drinking over a fifth of vodka now with a fruit punch chaser. Over time he began wetting the bed when he was intoxicated most nights. Now that he cannot go a night without drinking, it has been an issue everynight. Unfortunately our relationship is suffering for it. Other than the well known effects on his liver, I’m concerned; what are the risks and effects that this severe drinking is having on his kidneys? A few weeks back he checked his blood pressure at a store we were shopping at and it informed us that his blood pressure was high above normal, 166/101 to be exact. He is very heavy (about 330lbs and 5’11) doesn’t have health insurance and he refuses to ever see a doctor, is there any information that could persuade him that he is at risk of harming his body? Currently I haven’t been able to research the right information myself and need some help in this department.
Thanks.

ANSWER:

QUESTION:
how bad is blood pressure 200/90?
i have diabetis, a liver transplant.. my kidneys were failing so they put a cathider in my chest, and i just recently got a fistula put in my right arm. i was on dialysis, and my doctor just informed me my kidneys came back & they stopped dialysis. a few days ago my bood pressure shot up & the doctor said it was my thyroids. but since then ive been extremely shaky & my blood pressure has been 200/90. i dont know whats wrong

ANSWER:

QUESTION:
Back pain since Febuary, new pains and pressure?
since febuary, ive been having lower back pain on my sides only
we thought it was my birth control, so we switched brands
that didnt help, we went to 3 doctors that said it was just a pulled muscle, im active but not that active, they gave me perscription advil of 600 mg, that did nothing
another doctor told me yoga, i tried, made it worse
one said PMDD, gave me naproxin/naproxen, it helped the first 2 times i took it
then stopped
i started taking 2 tylenol every chance i could, i helped for about 3 months, then stopped
my weight has been 159 for the past 5 years, which is normal, my weight isnt the problem
my mom refuses to take me to the doctor because “its just from being lazy”
i do just as much as she does, if not more
i got fired from my job a month ago, and dont have any money to take myself to the doctor
im tired of crying myself to sleep after rolling around for an hour trying to find a comfortable postition that doesnt cause pain
i cant even sit at a chair for more then an 10 minutes without pain striking up my back
resting doesnt help, moving doesnt help
it doesnt hurt more when pressed or more when i bend over
it just constantly hurts
ive been tested for infections and kidney failure
nothing showed up
ive been tested for kidney stones
negative
its not painful to pee either, though, i doubt this has to do anything with it, ive been really swollen for the past few weeks down there

just recently, it started to hurt when i breath in deep
and just tonight, it started to hurt on my lower left back, everytime i stepped with my right foot
and im swollen down there again, and i have that itchy burny feeling after i pee

the key for the picture is
red-the constant pressure
green-where it stings when i step
yellow, the area where the pain grows
purple- the area it hurts when i breath in deep
and 90% of the time i stand, i feel like my knees are going to give out and im going to collapse

ANSWER:
My advice See A Doctor.Simple.

QUESTION:
Chest pain, back pain, shortness of breath, high blood pressure, what could be causing this?
I’m over all a pretty health person, very rarely sick. 29 yr old female, mother of 3, ages 2, 6 & 10. Work full time but it’s a pretty relaxed job.
I was admitted to the hospital last week for chest pain & high blood pressure (225/112) had EKG & CT scan, as well as an ultrasound on my reital (kidney area) CT scan showed lower left lope (lung) had air sacs deflated & possible pnuemonia setting in. Ultrasound & EKG came back normal. When I had gone into the ER, the day I was admitted, I had pain that started in my Right arm 2 days prior causing some numbness in finger tips, than it moved to my back right below my shoulder blade (right side) everytime I coughed I couldn’t get a full cough out cause it shot pain across my shoulder blade area in my back. My chest felt like it was being squeezed & had an elephant sitting on it. I didn’t have a cold & kept coughing (partically) couldn’t get a full cough out. I was in the hospital for 2 days, had blood thinner several times & was sent home on bp meds & breathing treatments. And was told to keep track of my bp several times a day, til I have my follow up appt w/ my dr. in a week. (which is this Wed) I wake up feeling ok, but as the day goes on I feel worse. Today is the worse, I feel just like I did the day I was admitted to the hospital, minus arm pain. Now I have the squeezing/heaviness feeling in chest, pain going down my back, kinda on the side too, but on the right side again. I’m coughing again randomly but can’t get the whole cough out, when I take a deep breath & try to let it out, feels like it’s being cut off & I can’t get the cough out. Bp is 165/100 pulse 87. I’m thinking of calling my doctor in the mean time I wanted to see if anyone could give me any advice on what could be going on.

addition info: I never was told by any other dr that I had heart palatations & now was told this at my phyisical about a month ago.
I’m so scard it could be heart diease or something like that. Heart diease runs on fathers side.

ANSWER:
Well…your blood pressure is still pretty high,are you still taking any blood pressure medication they may have given to you when you were released from the hospital? Have you ever been told you had high blood pressure before you went to the ER? Your pulse is ok,but your blood pressure(if your taking medication for it) is still high,too high even without medication,ot with medication!!! And at your age…I would be somewhat concerned..If I were you…I would see what my blood pressure says within the next 12 hours.If it goes up any more…go back to the ER.You also shouldn’t have this kind of pain either.Just because you were in the hospital,doesn’t mean you are healed and free of any/all illnesses!! As for the blood thinners they gave you? This is now standard procedure..not to much to worry about with that! What you need to worry about is that high blood pressure…it should be reading 120/80…….especially at your young age.165/100 is too much.The next time you take your blood pressure? Make sure you take it when you are at a FULL RESTING STATE!!! Take it when your relaxed,then see what the reading is..If the reading is still high,just go back to the ER.I wouldn’t play around or sit around and wait until Wednesday.Make sure you tell ANY doctor that sees you about your family medical history.When at ANY ER…? Make sure you tell every single doctor the same family history/story!! You have NO idea how many times a doctor can over-see a simple mistake by simply leaving out a medical fact from your family history.So..make sure you tell every doctor about any/all family medicl history…Like heart disease,stroke..and so forth…Good luck and I hope everything works out for you.Keep up with those breathing treatments too…I see you ARE taking blood pressure meds(Sorry)…still too HIGH!! Again…hope all goes well….you should go back seeing how your still taking blood pressure medications and having this kind of pain like before and no relief.

QUESTION:
What is the pain/pressure in my right side?
I have a slight pain/pressure in my right side almost towards my back. I had a hard time sleeping last night because it was so uncomfortable. I recently had a uti that I had to use home remedies because I couldn’t afford the dr bill, but all of the symptoms went away from it but I know that doesnt mean the infection went away. It couldnt have already gotten to be a kidney infection could it?

ANSWER:
i know from personal experiance that whenever my side hurts i drink alot of cold water. try drinking some tea and relaxing for 10-20 minutes on your back when you go to sleep before turning over. i reccomend mint tea. mint tea is amazeing for the bowels and stomach

QUESTION:
What does a low GFR mean in a healthy female?
I recently had blood result tests for a GFR (kidneys) come back “much lower than normal” according to my doctor. However, I am young (27), average weight (112 pounds, BMI of 19) and have normal blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

What could be the cause of this, and what does it mean?

Thanks!

ANSWER:
It’s important to eat effectively to stay in good health. Acai berry is an amazing super food that keeps you in good health and in addition has the bonus of helping you to lose lots of weight. There is a free trial happening currently at http://hatits.myinshape.info , give it a try, what’s the worst that could happen?

QUESTION:
My back is hurting ?
My back is hurting in the lower middle of my back. I have never ached like this before. It’s not pain. It feels like there is a bag of sugar inside my back, just siting there putting pressure on my insides. It don’t feel like I pulled a muscle or sleep on it wrong. It just pressure. If I’m sitting up I don’t feel it much but when I’m laying down or walking I can feel it. I don’t know if it is my actual back or maybe my kidney’s or bladder or something. It acted up a month ago for about 3 days and now it’s back. what could it be?

ANSWER:
It could be pressure ………..are you getting close to starting? If not then try some stretches…………stand and bend and touch your toes and see if it feels tight. Your lower back muscles are attached to your glutes and if they get tense it will cause some serious pressure and pain in your lower middle back. If you have no other symptoms(fever, urgency) its probbaly not your kidneys.

QUESTION:
Sudden back pain and I can’t walk. Back Spasm or Kidney Stone?
I’m a single mom alone with my kids and about 30 minutes my back suddenly gave out. I started feeling intense pressure and burning in my mid back area. I went to lay down. I got up to try and see if it would go away and I had to lay on the floor for a few minutes and crawl back to bed. I don’t have a fever but if I move I feel the pain.

I don’t know if I need to call 911 or wait it out. My doctor told me last week I have kidney stones from the ct scan they need but I’ve never experienced any pain from it that I know of. I was just fine this morning.
I paged my doctor and she thought it was a back spasm. She told me to take a muscle relaxer and some Ibuprofen. Thankfully I still had a muscle relaxer. I took a nap and now I am able to at least get up and walk. I still feel sore and pain but nothing like before.

ANSWER:
You more than likely have a pinched muscle somewhere in your lower back. They can hurt like heck and they will be something to reckon with sooner or later so better sooner so you can get to having a good nights sleep so you will be prepared for your kids. Here is an easy way to release those muscles to get rid of that pain:
Back::
Place your left hand on your left leg next to your body. Place your right hand over your left shoulder and find the muscles next to your spine and press on them and hold. After 30 seconds slowly lower your body forward, keeping your left arm fairly straight as you do. When you reach your lap remain there for another 10 seconds, release the pressure but remain there for another 30 seconds. Then reverse your hand positions and do your right side.

This can be one of the most difficult times in your life. When you go to the doctor and have your regular checkup and find that you have issues with your kidney function. In the beginning it may not seem as something you should really stress over but once more tests are done then reality sets in and you finall realize how severe thise problem is. Its a fact that 1 out of every 9 people have chronice kidney disease and many do not even notice any signs until the disease has progressed.

I feel that kidney disease is one of he mos scariest diseases out there. It has 5 stages of progression and for the most part you do not even feel most of the symptoms until it is too late and you need dialysis. I am a very young individual and never felt that getting regular checkups was really necessary. I felt great and excercised on a regular basis. I even ate all the right foods and steered clear of junk foods and fast food.

One day I was driving to the store and as I got on the highway I was pulled over by a state trooper over my brake light not functioning right. After I gave him my license and insurance information he came back to inform me that I had a warrant for my arrest. This was news to me since I never get in trouble. I was taken to the jail and found out that it was a mistake and it was for someone that had the exact same name as me.

Before they informed me that they had the wrong person I was going through initial intake and a nurse took my blood pressure. They informed me that it was dangerousl high and I really need to get it checked as soon as possible. Since the warrant issue was cleared up I then went straight over to the hospital and they informed me that I have abnormal high blood pressure and my kidneys were performing at 35%.

Frequently Asked Questions

QUESTION:
Feeling sharp rectal pressure & low back/kidney pain at 36 weeks?
I’m 36 weeks pregnant and was 1cm dilated 3 days ago. Doctor said my baby has dropped. I lost my mucous plug 2 days ago. This morning I started experience intense low-back/kidney pain along with sharp rectal pressure. I’m also feeling spurts of groin pain. I’m having contractions but they are sporadic. Any thoughts on what is causing these pains? This is my first child so I don’t know what labor feels like…

ANSWER:
When I was in labour, I felt rectal pressure like I had to really poop.

It sounds like you’re in labour. If your contractions start becoming regular, get yourself to the hospital.

Congrats!

QUESTION:
Im having real severe lower back pain where kidneys are, feeling pressure on the blatter, and boobs hurt. Help?
idk whats going on but like i said lower back pain where kidneys are, feel pressure on the blatter, boobs hurt, ohh and late on period as well…this could be many things bc i got alot going on here but a little help will do.

ANSWER:

QUESTION:
36weeks with rectual pressure, low back pain, & somewhat depressed?
I’m 36 weeks pregnant and was 1cm dilated 3 days ago. Doctor said my baby has dropped. I lost my mucous plug 2 days ago. This morning I started experience intense low-back/kidney pain along with sharp rectal pressure. I’m also feeling spurts of groin pain. I’m having contractions but they are sporadic. Any thoughts on what is causing these pains?

Also, I’ve been feeling a bit depressed for several weeks now. I’ve had heavy contractions since 31 weeks and been hospitalized 3 times. Five weeks worth of constant pain is taking its toll on me. I don’t feel like my doctors listen to me or ever give me a straight answer about what is happening, so I end up asking questions here. Please help! (

ANSWER:
Sorry to hear of your troubles honey. In reading what you are feeling pain wise (and having had 4 kids)
it sounds like your baby wants to meet the world! The low back pain/kidney area pain sounds very much like your baby is moving down, more into position for birth. This means he/she is getting into the “station” which is what they are talking about when the doc says “baby is at -1 or 0 or +1 station. It has to do with how far down in your pelvic area they are. I had vicious kidney pain with this last baby (who we just had a couple weeks back) and found out it was the baby kicking me! Never would have thought it! But lord did it hurt!
All in all here, it sounds like yes, you are getting close and may be experiencing false labor pains…just your body getting prepped. Don’t worry sweetie, your baby will come when he/she is healthy enough to not need mommy to protect it completely all tucked away and safe. Next week the lungs will be done and be considered full term. We all feel your pain really we do, you are not alone! If you are feeling depressed, please talk to someone about it, don’t let that fester. And maybe go for walks to release some good feeling hormones and help your baby come!
Maybe look into joining an online group for dealing with this depression too, just to talk. But most certainly tell your doctor how you are feeling in regards to depression. My second son made me so sad the last 3 months I just cried all the time. Later I was told it was my hormones all outta whack.,…idk about that, but it did subside alot when he was about 1 month old.
Get on here and ask questions whenever you want, thats what its here for, just remember we are not doctors! Go read this article too… http://www.babycenter.com/0_depression-during-pregnancy_9179.bc

QUESTION:
Lower right side back pressure.?
I have quite a list of symptoms. When i was about 7 I had purpura with my kidneys on the verge of failure before I got better. I am 30 and very active, I force myself to work out at least 3 times a week, I lift weights, run, and play basketball. Ok for my symptoms..
I have had solid green stool 30% of the time, rest its soft green stool but not diarrhea. I have a constant pressure on the right side of my back, just under my ribs, its never a pain, just a pressure without anything physically visible. I am always thirsty, I urinate alot, but its normally not nearly as much as I drink it seems. When i lay down at night my hands and feet often itch for no apparent reason. I am almost always tired and I could sleep 15 hours + a day. I am not in the slightest depressed. I am hoping its not any sort of diabetes but considering my diet and activity I don’t see how it could be. If anyone has any answers or suggestions I thank you !

ANSWER:

QUESTION:
Should I be worried about my back/kidneys?
Every other week or so, I feel a real strong pressure on my lower left back. It doesn’t hurt as badly if I am laying down or after I go to the bathroom, but driving my car is absolutely dreadful; it hurts to the point where I feel like I should just pull over for a few minutes.
I haven’t contacted my doctor about this, my mother tells me it may just be muscle pain or the way I’m sleeping. But I don’t change my sleeping habits often so I’m afraid it maybe more serious.
Also, once I go to bed for the night, when I wake up in the morning everything goes back to normal it seems.

Should I be worried about this?

ANSWER:
depending on hold old you are it can be growing pains.

if it continues to bother you call the doctor who cares what your parents say. Because you know your body better than anyone.

QUESTION:
alernative treatment instead of partial prostate gland removal for bladder not emptying properly please?
husband was told yesterday that his bladder isnt emptying properly so has been told he needs a partial prostate gland removal.yet his gland isnt that enlarged.he was also told he has back pressure on his kidneys.he doesnt want to have the op so has anyone been in this situation and found alternative treatment for this problem? any advice appreciated. one worried husband…..sue

ANSWER:
Go see another urologist! I had the same problem and just take a daily pill which works wonders. I would not even tell the new urologist he has seen anyone else, just so he has a completely impartial opinion. Partial prostate removal is usually one of the last and most drastic measures.

QUESTION:
Can a UTI spread to other areas & cause pain?
Ive been taking antibiodics for a UTI, but its been a week and now I have more symptoms:
*pain on right side-lower back( kidney area)
*hurts when I breath on right side in the middle area of my back(lungs)
*pressure in my chest
*headache
***and I ache all over-especially in my back & neck
I thought it might be a kidney infection, but I dont have a fever so I don’t know whats wrong.. Any ideas?

They seem to have lots of information on anything from adult toys to sexual health to women’s health issues

From reading the article, it sounds like it may be more kidney related, but I’d go to a doctor just to be sure

Good luck and hope you feel better soon!

QUESTION:
Abdominal cramping, lower back/tailbone pressure?
I am having abdominal cramping, very similar to menstrual cramps (currently mid-cycle), accompanied by a lot of pressure in my lower back, from hip to hip, as well as in my tailbone.
I called a nurse advice line a couple of days ago when it started as left flank pain accompanied by very small amounts of spotting. She advised me to go to the ER. I have no health problems and never have. At the ER, doc suspected kidney stones. Blood work and CT scan came back normal, so he sent me home with pain meds (Norco) that are barely helping at all.
Now the pain has moved from being localized on my left side (front and back) to being more generalized in my pelvic area, below my belly button, and my lower back and tailbone.
I have never experienced anything like this. Anyone have any ideas what it could be?

ANSWER:
It seems you may have a severe case of Mittelschmerz. If you never heard of mittelscherz, it is a word translated from German word for “middle pain”.

Many sites have a “when to see the doctor”. You have, and you are a case like many with a problem nobody wants to solve. I hope you have a better outcome soon.

Just do a search for the word mittleschmerz and you will find many helpful sites such as these:

QUESTION:
How does a cough develop into renal problems?
I recently took my very healthy 12 year old son to a new GP. My son had a cough. Normally he is a very active child. Tall, muscular, bright, good appitite etc. The GP ordered blood and urine tests. Then a renal ultra sound and now he is diagnosing that “the renal u/s shows back pressure on the kidneys suggestion therefore he may have urethral valves partially blocking the urine flow into the bladder”.

He has had no previous hint of renal problems. No family history at all of renal problems. No trouble urinating. No back pain. No blood pressure problems.

Any thoughts would be appreciated?

ANSWER:
You should really talk to your doctors. It is very wrong of them to leave you worrying with no explanation.
I can only guess…
Acute kidney failure may be due to bacterial infection, injury, shock.
Posterior urethral valve obstruction: This narrowing or obstruction of the urethra affects only boys. It is usually diagnosed at birth though.
Glomerulonephritis: This is an inflammation or infection of the glomeruli, which are parts of the nephrons that contain tiny blood vessels. It can affect the kidney’s ability to properly filter out waste and can lead to swelling, but this is usually accompanied by blood in the urine.
Kidneys can develop cysts.
Nephritis. This is any inflammation of the kidney. It can be caused by infection, an autoimmune disease (such as lupus), or an unknown reason.

Infection sounds the most likely culprit. Something must have alerted your doctor for him to order tests and a scan. He is being very thorough, but he should have explained what is going on.
I am sorry not to have more infomation – other than guesses.
I answered because only two others did, one a stupid comment the other spam about slimming.

I hope your worries are cleared up and that your son returns to his normal bright active self.

QUESTION:
what is going on with my kidneys?
I am such a hyperconreact but the past few days I have felt pressure over my lower back where my kidneys are. It doesnt hurt but it is just a weird and uncomfortable feeling. What do you guys think?

ANSWER:
It is common to have sore muscles in the lower back. The best cure for hypochondriacs is the placebo (sugar) pill.

QUESTION:
what could this be, My back is so tense it gets worse with tedious activities?
My lumbar muscles on my right side are all knotted up and on my pelvic bone ( side back ) near my kidney area I guess has a lump I guess it is a knot . If I lean back there is pressure but if I press that lump there is some relief. Leaning to the side is also tight.Sometimes feels like that spot get stuck. maybe muscle on bone?This is three years going on

ANSWER:
See a massage therapist, or physiotherepist. Something about the way you have been moving is causing it to tighten up. It sounds like you have a bit of a prolapsed disk.

QUESTION:
Does anyone know what would cause pressure in the mid back on both sides right under the ribs?
It feels like pressure… right around the kidney area I think. Right under the ribs, but above the waist. Usually on the right side , but sometimes both. It comes and goes and usually is worse when I am having lots of problems with allergies. I read something awhile back that said when you have asthma the pressure could be a symptom. Any ideas?

ANSWER:
That is exactly where the kidneys are. Best to see a doctor to get it checked. Other possible causes include heavy lifting, sitting posture, sports injury…

It is: A belt of lower back and pelvic pain.
It started: Feb 2010
It’s been going for: A year and a half
I’ve seen: 6 different doctors.
They all say: It’s a pulled muscle, or they don’t know what’s wrong.

There’s been no trauma to my spine or pelvic area.
I’ve done no heavy lifting.
I’ve never been pregnant, though I am sexually active.
My first and last pap smear was December 2009 .
I took birth control from Jan 2010-June 2010, and haven’t taken it since.
I’ve been taking advil, naproxen, tylenol and even oxycodine, no relief comes from any of them.

The pain is worse with exercise, and movement in general.
The pain is also worse with rest and stress.
Sex doesn’t hurt, and there’s no pain, burning or itching with peeing.
The only relief I get is when I am in a pool, the water just takes away all the pressure.
If I take too deep of a breath, the tight pain travels up to my upper back, behind the ribs.

I’ve had a pelvic exam, blood test, urine test, and an ultra sound.
They all came back normal.
I’m having a pap smear on the 16th because the last doctor I saw, refused to give me one.

I feel like killing myself, rather than having to live another day with this pain.
It’s ruining my body. I’ve gained 20 pounds because the pain is so bad I can’t exercise like I used to.
It’s ruining my relationship with my fiancee.
I snap at him and get cranky or annoyed very easily.
It’s flat out ruining my life and I just can’t take it anymore.
I can’t take the pain and the crying and the fighting and the stress of not knowing what’s wrong with me.
It’s sending me into a pit of endless depression.
I feel so alone and helpless.
I need someone to help me.
I need someone to understand the extent of pain I’ve been in for this long.
I need someone to actually listen, to put all the symptoms together instead of looking at them one by one. Please help me.

ANSWER:

QUESTION:
Any ideas what this strange abdominal and back pain may be?
A week ago I had a sharp pain in my lower right back. It’s about where my kidney is. I thought little of it, but the next couple days it happened periodically, then I felt what I can only describe as something inside there pushing outwards kind of pressure along with pain, but it was off and on.—

Eventually this was accompainied by some lower right abdominal pains, occasional nausea, light headedness, disorientation, etc. The doctor say there was no blood in my urine, he thought it unlikely to be my gall bladder and very unlikely to be my appendix.—

He put me on ranitidine (Zantac), and did blood tests to check for infection (they aren’t back yet). Today, 2 days later, the “pressure” is much worse, and the pain in my abdomen more steady, along with more frequent back (kidney area) pains.

Urination is normal, bowel movements mostly normal, though a decrease in appetite. No fever. Just feels like I’m carrying a full water balloon between bottom rib and hip bone. Idea

ANSWER:
It completely sounds like you are passing kidney stones. You don’t have to have blood in your urine for these calcium deposits to work their evil way out of you, your body may have already broken down a large stone that was not at first able to pass. It is excruciatingly painful to not pass kidney stones because you need to do lithotripsy first. See a competent urologist. I can’t believe your doc didn’t even mention kidney stones…Good luck, and God Bless.

QUESTION:
Im peeing a lot, Pain in my right lower back, right about where my kidney is, and pain/pressure in abdomen?
I have been peeing a lot lately, every time i finish I still feel like I could pee and about 20 mins later ill pee again
I also have been having pain in my right lower back where my kidney is I am thinking..that has been something that has been going on for a long time on and off
and I have been pee tested for a uti and everything like that and got nothing…no UTI or anything like that and that was a couple months back
and associated with the peeing ive been having a lot of lower abdominal pain twords the middle/left side..that kinda feels like pressure too more than it feels like pain but it does hurt…and
I read something about it being a possible pregnancy….which worried me a little bit because of the way i’ve been eating lately (could also be stress)
and ive had more discharge than usual lately…but ive had my period twice since the last time i had sex so….i dont really know what to think
any ideas?

ANSWER:

QUESTION:
What is this Severe Burning/Pressure Lower Back Pain That Worsens When Sititng or Lying Down?
I am a 24/F who has been having kidney area pains for the last week. Today I woke up (while lying straight) in immense burning/pressurized pain in my lower back (localized to just my spine, not the area around it!). I sat up and it hurt worse. So, I walked to the couch (and it still hurt but def not as bad) and sat down—oh, the pain came back! Then I decided to lay flat again and the pain worsened! What is going on? I have never heard of pain getting worse when you lie down. This is absurd! Can anyone help me, please? (Also, pain when bending forward to reach for an object). It’s obviously someting to do with my spine.
Thank you all for your answers. They are helpful and gave me something to ponder… As for the kidney stones, I really thought I had those a week ago. I heard that you do not feel them while IN your kidney, but while they are passing out the tube (urethra? sp?) that connects your bladder and kidney, you can really feel the pain. Today, the pain is in the dip of my back in the center, not the outer areas. It feels like the bone is burning, so I think this is somewhat different. I think it is the spine. I am going to call the doctor and probably get an exray to see what could be going on in there. I was curious to see if anyone had had similar problems or knew what could be going on. I’m not ruling out kidney stones… or lower spinal problems. I did google the symptoms and it came up with malignant spine tumor (AHH…), but that just gives me more reason to go to the doctor and take the pain seriously! THank you, again!

ANSWER:
I would consult a physician it could be just about anything . There is obviously something wrong and you just can’t get a proper diagnosis here .

QUESTION:
Do you have back pain with Bacterial Vaginosis?
I have been diagnosed with Bacterial Vaginosis, but I noticed I have back pain and feels like pressure on my bladder, and I have symptoms of a UTI, which the doctor said that is commom with BV. I have had 3 urine test and they were negative for UTI or kidney infection, but the test for BV was positive. I just wondered if anyone had this before and if you felt back pain or pressure?

ANSWER:
it could be a sign of PID pelvic inflammatory disease. You can get this by leaving an infection untreated and then the infection spreads up into the reproductive organs.
This is treated with strong antibiotics
hope you get well soon.

Ps… If you are a regular sufferer of bacterial vaginosis you could try a suppliment called Acidophilus which is a probiotic (good bacteria). This works for some people. It will not treat the problem but could stop you getting future episodes.

xxx

QUESTION:
Whats wrong with me?! Back, Kidney, Colon.. gah!?
I went to the Dr. a few weeks ago after sitting at the race all weekend and it caused my back to be very painful. I ended up having to go to the Dr. and they said I was having back spasms. In the x-rays though the Dr. talked more about how full my colon was. I didn’t want to talk about it then, but I do not have bowl movements but maybe 1-2 times a week and my fiancee says thats odd. Ha ha. Well I am having enternal pain along with my back muscles still hurting. I am not sure if I have a kidney infection, though no burning urine, or if maybe it is pressure from my colon?!? Just my back. I just hurt all around my core to the touch externally, and internally my stomach has been odd. I am hungry to much, my stomach has killer cramps when I am a bit hungry. And my back is killing me, even while on antiinflammitories and muscle relaxers.

ANSWER:
You should have bowel movements once a day. You could have a sensitive bowel. Go back to your doctor and talk about it. You can help your bowel move along by adding more fiber to your diet, exercise, and drinking plenty of fluids (water!). It could be caused by stress or poor diet.

But I’m no doctor, definitely have that checked out!

QUESTION:
Having to pee A LOT!!!!!! Is this normal? SOMEBODY PLEASE ANSWER!?
Ohkay soo I have to pee a lot. Like a lot more than I’ve ever had to in my life! I was thinking that I probably have a kidney infection or UTI but the wierd thing is that it doesn’t hurt or burn whatsoever whenever I pee. And my pees clear and doesn’t smell. Like this is getting ridicilous to the point where I can pee up to 4 times within the hour before I go to sleep. And if I even so happen wake up just to take a SIP of water I’m woken up within an hour having to pee again! And another thing is that it seems like it really only bothers me if I’m in a certain position. Like usually if I get up to walk I’ll have to pee. And if I lay on my right side I feel the urge to pee a lot more rather than if I lay on my back or left side?? Idk I just know that I feel like I’m dehydrating myself now because if how much I have to pee. And if I don’t pee I start to feel A TON of pressure in my pelvic area. Like not necessarily an urge to pee, but A TON OF PRESSURE! It’s more uncomfortable than anything. Is this normal?? Does this usually happen with UTI’s or kidney infections? I have other symptoms of a UTI or kidney infection. Like pressure in my abdomen, dull aches in my lower back, pressure and pains in my pelvic area and sometimes I can feel my kidneys hurt. And another thing sometimes AFTER I pee or make a bowel movement I feel a great deal of pressure in my pelvic area.

ANSWER:
It could be anything from a Urinary Tract Infection or a kidney infection. I just recommend seeing a urologist or your doctor.
Good luck and I hope you get better soon!

QUESTION:
Lower back pain or Kidneys?
Healthy 23 year old male here. Seems like I have lower back pain. its only on the right side really where “love handles” would be but more on the side to the back and its not a sharp pain it just feels pressure like strained or something, and a little pain below the arch in my back. Was out friday night dancing for hours. I drank quite a bit but I do not drink frequently. Cant remember lifiting anything heavy but It feels tight when i bend over to the left side. Does this sound like I strained my back dancing and stuff or more in the kidney or am I just overreacting lol. I am a bit of a hypochondriac.
No I had one caffeine free diet coke about 4 days ago and that was the first time I had had a soda in Months. I maybe drink 10 sodas in a Year. I drink Water, Green Tea, Sweet Tea, Gatorade and Powerade
I was looking at a picture on google and it is RIGHT where the Lattisimus Dori muscles are. Its not a big pain its more like a pull or a dull sensation with tightness.

ANSWER:
It’s probably not your kidneys, those are not in the lower back. You may have lumbar stenosis (which is common and not life threatening) or maybe you just pulled something. Stretch your back by lying flat on the floor and slowly bring your knees to your chest, or as close you can get without it hurting, hold your knees for a count of 10-15 then slowly put your legs down straight. Do this a couple times a day when you’re feeling pain. If you do any heavy lifting, use your knees, not your back.

QUESTION:
Lower Back Pain. Strain? Kidneys? Help?
It is not a throbbing pain it only hurts when I twist my body or try to get out of bed or move positions in bed. I would say its about a 5 on a 1to10 scale. Now I do have a bad mattress and for the past few months i have had this lower back pain on both sides every once and a while. This one is on the right side and it feel like its in the area of my last rib and its also goes toward the spine. Im one of those people that when something feels wrong I go to WebMD and I read all these things and wonder maybe I have this or that, then I get scared. I did the symptom checker and now I scared I have kidney infection or acute renal failure. I can urinate good and i have no pain. Though it does mention damage from medication. I was diagnosed with High Blood Pressure and have been on a low dose 12 mg pill since Sept2010. Also a month ago I did have this dry pain in my penis when I had and erection. Maybe it was a UTI that has traveled to my kidneys? But I can urinate good. This is embarrassing but I think that pain in my penis was caused by frequent masturbation. Anyway I see the Doctor Friday but the waiting is killing me. What can it be?

Also sitting up in bed helps. When I lay flat it feels like the pain is worse.

ANSWER:
It sounds like its a back issue. I completely understand having a hard time telling the difference between kidney pain and back pain. I am often in the same boat and struggle with both.

The reason I say back pain vs kidney pain is because you say movement can make it better/worse, this is a symptom of back pain.

QUESTION:
Is there a difference between cysts on the kidneys and in the kidneys?
My mom has two on her kidneys and the doctor said that it could cause her back pain and high blood pressure. Im trying to find out if its the cause for some of her other problems. Is there a difference? Also, are there some other symptoms of cysts on the kidneys?

ANSWER:
Most kidney cysts are asymptomatic. I have one, and it’s recently begun to cause me lower back pain on the same side. My blood pressure became high 5 months after the cyst was discovered. So far the cyst has not been treated. Here’s a link with some information:

http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/cysts/

Cysts in the kidney is a very different matter and can be caused by polycystic disease. That’s a dangerous disease. You can google that for more information.

QUESTION:
Kidney stone entered bladder after three days since initial pain, okay to urinate it out?
I’m trying to avoid a doctor visit and just suck it up. But considering I don’t know the size of the stone, I’m curious if its dangerous to try and pass it through my urethra.

Semi-severe pain three days ago (Sunday morning), but lasted 20 mins. Monday morning was less pain that lasted about 15 minutes, but later that afternoon it hurt for a few hours due to me laying down rolling around on my back, not able to get comfortable. After slouching in my chair (pressure off my back/kidney) for 20 mins it went away. Tuesday was very mild. A few 5-min chair breaks took care of discomfort. Wednesday morning I can feel the stone low in my pelvis, pain and discomfort (not as bad as Monday). Sitting in chair didnt work, pain was more from the stone and not my kidney. About two hours of this and the pain fades causing me to urinate. Stone passed into my bladder, urine behind it went into my bladder and urethra.

Seeing as its only been three days and no blood, should I try and urinate it out?

ANSWER:
some kidney stones can be flushed out of the system when urinating but sometimes, the stone gets lodged into the urethra causing further damage to your urinary system..

you can try straining your urine to check if you’re flushing it out but let me tell you that a visit to your nephrologist is what you really need, if the stone is too to flush out big–surgery is needed but if it’s still small, i think they will recommend you to drink (im not really sure if it’s cranberry or apple juice) something that can dissolve it and flush it out of ur system..

drink lots of water and avoid salty food!
take care of ur kidneys!

QUESTION:
Side/Back hurts when urinating?
I started to notice this yesterday but whenever I go to the bathroom, I get a severe pressure type pain on my right side and in my back. The pressure is actually worse in the back. It only hurts when I urinate though and for like 5 minutes after wards. Im worried about kidney problems only because I suffer from chronic pancreas problems and for the past few months I though it was safer to take large amounts of tylenol instead of using narcotic pain medicine. I had a blood test last week that showed that I have actually been overdosing my body on tylenol without even realizing it. Could this effect the kidneys or could it simply just be a kidney infection? My urine is normal color though. Any idea what could be causing this horrible pain? If it helps Im 22 years old.

ANSWER:
Sounds like a kidney infection, you should get cheked out.

QUESTION:
back feels tight and numb,pressure and I feel like I can’t pee completely?
I had an MRI done a couple of weeks ago and nobody called so I assume it was neg.I’ve been hurting off and on for 4 yrs. Treated for kidney stones but never saw any results from treatment?

ANSWER:
don’t assume anything ever – especially health tests. Remember assume is making an ‘ass’ out of ‘u’ and ‘me’ – keep after the doctor, if you don’t feel like your getting anywhere then get your test records and go to another doctor and another – remember you are the one paying him(her) if they don’t satisfy you – fire em and move on!

QUESTION:
PRESSURE LIKE PAIN…CAN IT BE MY KIDNEYS?
MY BACK HURTS EXTREMELY IT STARTED OFF WITH A LIGHT PRESSURE LIKE PAIN, NOW I FEEL LIKE SOMEONE IS SITTING ON MY BACK AT ALL TIMES=[
ITS MORE LIKE ON MY LOWER BACK. CAN IT BE MY KIDNEYS?
I DONT DRINK WATER I HATE WATER….AND I KNOW THATS IMPORTANT
FOR MY KIDNEYS AND OVERALL HEALTH….CAN THIS BE THE CAUSE?

QUESTION:
I’m having sharp pains in my left side & lower back. Also very intense pressure on my uterus…?
What could be wrong? Is it the sign of a kidney stone or a real intense start of a mentrual cycle? Or something else? Please help!

ANSWER:
It does sound like a kidney stone, but I’m not a doctor. I recommend getting to the doctor or ER while you’re still functional.

If it is a kidney stone, it may be accompanied by nausea and fever and it can be hard to get around when you feel like that. Plus, the ER will have morphine (ahhhhhhh!)

For me it started with what felt like a twingy ovary on my right side, then turned into pain in my back – felt like a pulled muscle or perhaps that creature from Alien trying to get out…..

EDIT: Don’t be afraid. If this is a stone, you’re not going to die, and you probably won’t require surgery. Again, I’m not a doctor, but that second person sounded a bit alarmist and you shouldn’t get freaked out.

QUESTION:
back stiffness related to blood pressure problems?
hello, i am 24 years old and have been dealing with high blood pressure problems for the past 6 years. fortunately, i am trying to get it under control and have lost approximately 30 pounds. lately, for the past 6 months, i have been experiencing back stiffness on the left side just right around the middle on the right side of my back. along with this i have been getting a burning sensation, a tingling sensation, and stiffness. now they come and go. they do not stay for too long. sometimes i do not get this type of stiffness for a couple days and then it returns and stays but the length of it doesnt last too long. when i sit, i do not feel it as much as i feel it when i am working out or doing something. what may be the problem? is it related to kidney problems or blood pressure problems?

ANSWER:
Kidney problems can cause blood pressure problems and at 24 years of age, high blood pressure is abnormal. I trust your Doctor has investigated secondary causes for hypertension such as kidney issues? If not then I suggest you see him and ask him to investigate further. When people below the age of 30 get high blood pressure, secondary causes must be thoroughly investigated and ruled out.

The pain you are describing could be linked to your kidney or might not be, it’s more likely to be root pain from a lumber nerve root, it’s always easy to localise pain to the kidney area so see your Doctor so they can investigate further.

QUESTION:
i have had extreme pain in mainly the lower region of my back and neck?
lower back region by my kidneys both sides, it feels a load of pressure is pushing on my spine but the pain feels so bad,my bones are making crunching noises around my shoulder blades and lower back region.Then when i stretch back my lower back feels alittle better,but is painfull.I am getting little dizzy spells, but when doing this it relieves the pressure. I know that when doing it cannot be helping the matter.but worrying it feels getting worse an iam having to click my back to release that pressure and i am forever hearing my bones crunch what could be my problem? thankyou

ANSWER:

QUESTION:
Lower back pain should I be concern?
2 weeks ago my boyfriend and I were cuddling on his couch. Out of the blue he picked me up and my back hit is stomach area. I remember feeling a slight pain in the left side of my lower back where my kidneys are but I didn’t think much of it. All we did was cuddle on the couch. I thought maybe if I took it easy for a few days it would get better. Since then whenever there is pressure on my lower back I’m feeling pain, both sides. The other day we were at my friend’s house watching a movie and I got a hit of pain on my right side when we got a little closer. Should I be concerned? My job is giving me new insurance when the New Year starts so I want to wait until I get my new insurance so my medical records don’t get all mixed up.
I will be seeing a doctor after I get my new insurance.

ANSWER:

QUESTION:
if kidneys fail due to problems with an op and need dialisis can they subsequently repair themself given time?
After a heart operation problems were encountered and a friend, amongst other things, suffered low blood pressure and kidney failure. They are currently on dialisis. After the patient has recovered generally can the kidneys repair themself and get back to normal status?

ANSWER:
If he is going through acute kidney failure, yes, it is a temporary thing. However, if he has chronic kidney failure (most likely, from the info given) it is a permanent thing.

QUESTION:
Othe than the liver, does Alcohol effect the kidneys?
My husband has been a heavy drinker for years, drinking over a fifth of vodka now with a fruit punch chaser. Over time he began wetting the bed when he was intoxicated most nights. Now that he cannot go a night without drinking, it has been an issue everynight. Unfortunately our relationship is suffering for it. Other than the well known effects on his liver, I’m concerned; what are the risks and effects that this severe drinking is having on his kidneys? A few weeks back he checked his blood pressure at a store we were shopping at and it informed us that his blood pressure was high above normal, 166/101 to be exact. He is very heavy (about 330lbs and 5’11) doesn’t have health insurance and he refuses to ever see a doctor, is there any information that could persuade him that he is at risk of harming his body? Currently I haven’t been able to research the right information myself and need some help in this department.
Thanks.

ANSWER:

QUESTION:
My back/kidney hurts?
Hello,

My back hurts right where my kidney is, what can this be? My mom has a kidney disease, but this is only present if both of your parents have the trait, and my dad doesn’t. It hurts bad, like a pressure pain at the same time as it feels like someone is stabbing me in my back. It’s making me feel as I can’t breath at the same time as moving. I can’t ask her anything because every time I have something wrong she calls me a hypochondriac if it has anything to do with the kind of pains she has, but I can almost guarantee it’s my kidney or something right at that spot. What could this be? And more importantly, how can I make the pain stop. This is one of the worst pains I’ve felt in my life.

Please help,

Ryan

P.S. I know I didn’t sleep on it wrong, because I took a nap at 7PM last night, woke up at 1:00AM, and went back to sleep at 7AM; the pains started at 5AM, 4 hours after I woke up.
Also it feels a little bit better when I put pressure on it.
It hurts where the top of my fist is from my hip bone. And the pain wont go away at all, unless I put some pressure on it then it just dies down then immediately comes back. I’ve tried taking a nap and woke up with the same pain. I’ve taken 2 tylonol 500mg tablets and they didn’t help at all. And I don’t see blood when I pee. Thanks for helping guys, hope I got everything.

ANSWER:
First: have you taken anything for the pain at all? If you can, take Ibuprofen 800 mg with food every six hours with Tylenol Extra Strength 1000 mg in between if the ibuprofen does not quite do it. They are different medications and therefore are able to be taken in this manner.
If the pain is colicky in nature (comes in waves), sharp, and stabbing it could be a kidney stone or pyelonephritis (kidney infection).
Usually, pressing on it does not relieve the pain of either of these problems so I do have to wonder if it is musculoskeletal.
Where exactly does it hurt? The kidneys are situated in the small of the back about a fist size or so above the top of the hip bones.
Are you seeing any blood when urinating?
In the case that it is either a stone or an infection, pushing fluids (particularly water) is the best thing.
If the pain recurs, you should call your family doctor or see a urologist or, with pain that cannot be controlled, go to the ER

QUESTION:
Why does it feel like someone is pushing on my kidneys?
My lower back has been killing me for about 3 hours now, there’s a lot of pressure on my kidneys. What’s up ?

ANSWER:

QUESTION:
I fell on my back and my left back hurts, i believe it is internal?
I fell directly on my back from about 6 feet up onto my back last thursday night. It is not wednesday and i still have considerable pain in my left back. I feel like it is internal and that perhaps i have a bruised organ, maybe my kidney. The pain is constantly there next to my left hip, but not the bone, and my back is very sensitive to pressure up to the half way point. What could be any reason for this and is medical attention recommended?

ANSWER:

QUESTION:
A Possible “Cure” for Kidney Stones?
Remember those belt machines that people used to use? They would put the belt around them and the machine would shake/vibrate the person? I think this was supposed to be about losing weight (though I don’t know how).

Well, it occurred to me that when a person has a kidney stone, the pain occurs when the stone is going down the tube leading to the bladder. It is that slow descent–which causes back-pressure of urine–that causes so much pain, I am told.

Well, what would happen if someone had access to one of those belt machines and simply stood there for a few minutes while the thing shook them? It seems to me that either the stone would get vibrated on down the tube at a faster pace, or perhaps the stone might even break up a bit, causing it to flush down the tube very quickly.

Does anyone have any ideas on this? I know they have ways of breaking the stone up, but this seems easier and less invasive…if it works, that is.

ANSWER:
Not a bad idea in theory problem being that not everyone passes Kidney stones naturally. Although surgical intervention not always necessary the stones can also be shattered by laser or by a high pitched tone. The other thing about your theory is that the belt could actually do permanent damage to one or other of the kidneys if used In this way. But you keep thinking maybe one day you will invent something that will aid mankind.

QUESTION:
Back-maybe kidney pain?
I have been having these pains in the lower right side of my back (right above my belt) and I think it comes more when I drink a lot of soft drinks. But they usually go away after about ten minutes. Today its been going on for hours just off and on. It’s not a real bad pain just kind of irritating. And when the pain comes, it seems like it comes in waves. I don’t drink much water and have high blood pressure. My guess is possible kidney stone. How can I dissolve it without passing it if it is one? Thanks

ANSWER:
Whether you can pass it or not depends on where it is located and its size and shape. It does sound like a kidney stone, but the only way to know for sure is to get a CT scan.

They used to recommend drinking lots of water but they have kind of backed off that now.

QUESTION:
How much time does my grama have left?
My grandma is in the hospital right now. She has a fever of 106. Her blood pressure is at 130/ 26. One of her lungs has collapsed and her oxygen is at 88%. She had congestive heart failure on sat and they brought her back. her kidneys have given out as well.

ANSWER:
i hate to tell you this but since her kidneys have shut down, it does not seem like there is too much time left. i went through the exact same thing with my grandma. mine was ready to go thought. i hope everything will be ok.
Summer

QUESTION:
Does Creatine kill the Kidneys? Am I a victim?
Basically its like this:

- I’m 5’10 175-180 lbs
- Been taking one scoop of High Performance Creatine Powder – Precision Engineered® mixed w/ 8-10 oz of water.
- Work out 3 to 4 times a week for 1hr – 1 1/2
- Only drink creatine before workouts. Sometimes I’d drink it and something would come up so i didnt burn it off that day.
- Muscles got well rounded, lost body fat, got TONS of complements on my build. But then…….

- 4 months ago got severe headaches, mostly right on crown and world was spinning.
- Urine stream got weak if i held it a while (stream normal when I didn’t have to hold that long)
- A week ago, severe chest pains shooting numbness down my left arm. Emer Room tested, my heart strong, blood pressure fine down the middle. Said I pulled a pec muscle. Creatinine (waste of creatine) high however. 1.9 , norm is .8 to 1.4 or so.
- Now, my calf muscles are really week, feet feel flushed, burning sensation in back where kidneys are.

Need a retest. Am I screwed

ANSWER:
Hey man, creatine wont have that big of an effect on your body. Unless you are allergic to it, which I doubt you are. Just get off it for a week, and then go back to it. If you feel better, and then when you take it again feel worse, than your body might not like it so don’t do it. There is plenty of stuff better than creatine for you now adays anyways. Plus, your body can only take about 3-5 grams of it a day, so when you have to much, you just pee it out. And science has yet to figure out if creatine damages anything. So likei said, break from it for a little, then get back and see. You should be fine. And don’t work out so hard if you pulled a pec muscle. If you take anything, take protein. NO Xplode is good too, you may like the energy and pumps from that. Good Luck and try not to worry about your creatine situation. Week off, then try again. Later

-Dave

QUESTION:
In need of advice for bad back pain lasting over 2 weeks!?
Wednesday February 9th late at night I started to feel bad back pain. I went to bed thinking it was just back pain nothing else.

* I had not done anything to my back.
* I had not lifted anything to heavy.
* I had not fallen at all
* I had not been hit at all

Thursday February 10th I woke up early morning in alot of back pain. So much back pain that:

1.) I couldnt put any pressure on my back (meaning i couldnt put my back against anything)

2.) I could not stand up straight at all (I am so bent over and cannot stand straight at all I look like a question mark or the hunch back)

3.) The pain is horrible 10 or higher! Its from my butt to my neck. Most of the pain is lower back!

4.) I was getting sick from the pain (sick as in throwing up, when I move or even when laying still)

5.) The only thing I could keep down was toast.

6.) Nothing can touch my back a tiny bit of pressure makes the pain worse!

7.) I can hardly walk due to the pain in my back and the fact im bent so much

8.) I cannot do anything on my own do to all the pain and being bent so far.

I started calling my doctors about help due to everything heres the info that they have said and tests they ran and test results:

1.) Hospital ran a pee test saying my symptoms seemed like kidney stones.
—Answer came back I do not have kidney stone, but I do have small amounts of blood in my urine (not on period)

2.) Hosptial ran a xray to make sure of kidney stones
— Answer xray came out negative for kidney stones
—- Released from hospital with medication for a possible infection.

3.) Seen my normal doctor she ran a pee test, and checked me out.
—Answer Pee test came out with just small amounts of blood in my urine.
— Answer checking me out she said she thought I had some type of infection taking over my body so she gave me pain medications to cure my infection.
**** Pain medication did not help > actually made me really sick.

4.) Seen a sports care doctor (aka back doctor) They said they could tell I was not in good shape and said it was probably just a musle spasum. But said it was obvious I am not well. They did a xray of my spine.
—- Answer, xray showed my l4 & l5 lumbar are fused together
**** Doctor said maybe that is why I’m in so much pain, they gave me pain medication and set me up for an mri to see if my nerves in my l4 & l5 lumbar are damanged or not.

5.) Pain medication did not help actually made me more sick

6.) February 22nd had my mri done.

7.) February 24th the doctor called and said my mri showed that my nerves are not damaged. But that my disk below my L5 is bulging.
**** They said that would be causing a little bit of the pain but not all the pain im in.
***** THey said they dont know what else is wrong and advised me to see a pain managment doctor.

8.) The doctor gave me pain medication and pain patches to wear but that is all they offered. They said when my pain goes to a 5 and im able to walk more and stand up more then ill have to go through physical therapy > but no idea when that will be.

With all that is said above,
1.) I’m still in alot of back pain
2.) I’m still unable to stand up (still bent downward!)
3.) I’m still getting sick off and on.
4.) Pain meds are not helping at all.
5.) Still unable to have anything touch my back as it adds more pain!
6.) Unable to do anything!

I’m looking for any advice, or ideas to try or even to look into! Anything would be appreciated! I’v delt with this for far to long, and cannot do anything at all! I’d like to have my life back. I’d like to find an answer or a different option to fix the pain issue so i’m able to stand up and have no pain or at least less pain! Right now doctors I’m personally seeing have thrown their hands up in the air and said they dont know and can no longer help. If you could please offer any kind of advice on what I should do or another type of doctor to look into seeing or even tell me something you think it could be so I can look up information on it or anything else I’d honestly with all my heart appreciate it! This has taken over my body, and has taken over my life. I no longer can live a normal life. I’d like to get back to normal and be able to do things again! Please…

Please! And thank you to those who offer any kind of advice or ideas or exc. Myself, and my family are trying so hard but were running out of ideas so I thought id try to get others help at this point. Ill do anything for answers. And maybe you can think of something we havnt or even my doctors havnt!

QUESTION:
Two periods in one month?
My cycles are somewhat irregular, usually ranging between 26-31 days, but more often than not, around 27-29 days. Only, this month, I am having a second period?! I just had one starting on the 14th. Lasted 5 days as usual, cramps, mood swings and all. Now, I just started bleeding again today. I was wondering if this would happen because I noticed the usual changes I have before my period (increase discharge, moody). Now that I started bleeding, I’m having cramps/ pressure…mostly back pain, and lots of pressure “down there” and in my bum…??

History:
I had a similar episode with the pressure not long ago, maybe 3-4 weeks ago. I had pain in my left abdomen (front and back, not so much on the side) and tons of pressure and some crampiness/back pressure/pain. Was told to go to the e-room, so I did. Tested for kidney stones and found nothing on CT scan or in blood work and was given IV. Followed up with my doc and she said bladder infection. Took antibiotics and later came down with staph infection on skin. Now I’m on my second week of strong antibiotics (ones used for MRSA) and skin is pretty much healed up.
A couple of days ago, my chest broke out overnight and looked like heat rash (folliculitis) which has since cleared up. Now, this…I feel like a crazy person! I don’t wanna go BACK to the doctor yet again…I feel like a hypochondriac, but I’m not imagining any of this. Could it just be stress with everything else going on with my body? My daughter started pre-k and is being defiant, and my husband is on his first deployment since joining the Army. So, def PLENTY of stressors.

Does this sound like the symptoms could possibly all be related? Is it cause for concern? Or likely just my body’s way of reacting to all of this stress?

ANSWER:
unfortunately, you can have two periods in one month. it’s normal. you can be the most regular woman in the world and suddenly get two in a month. happens to all of us. i know it sucks but it’s normal. you have a lot of stress, which would actually delay a period. your symptoms are unrelated

QUESTION:
What can cause Pressure in Head and Miscellaneous Symptoms?
Alright from the top: About a month ago I went into the ER because I had performed a self-examination and felt that one of the sides of my scrotum felt larger to me than the other and was therefore afraid that I had cancer. As a side note this intensified after I had worked out extra hard for the first time in about 6 months. They had diagnosed me with a Varicocele and had also noted what they called a benign cyst on the right side after performing an Ultrasound. Therefore, I was much relieved as I got a report of no cancer and my blood work came back normal along with the other normal tests (i.e. kidney, thyroid, liver, pancreas).

However, since that time I have experienced the following symptoms both on an occasional and constant basis:

Occasional

Jabbing pain in armpit
Pressure in Back of Head
Pain in Shoulder Blade
Pain in side
Dull feeling in Groin
Pelvic Pain
Sweating at palms

Constant

Fatigue in legs
No strong desire to eat – do so because I should
Feel hot but no fever – actually temperature lower than 98.6 (i.e. 97.6)

It just seems a little weird to me that all of these started. I was actually running on the treadmill about a week ago and I had to get off because the pressure in the back of my head had built up so much it felt like it was going to explode. My headaches are always in the back of my head now and they do not throb, they are just like a dull sensation. I have went to 5 doctors and they are telling me that I am fine and it is related to anxiety. However, I have not been sick in like 5 years and I know how to separate the mental from the physical. None of them have ordered a CT/MRI and therefore they are going off of the blood work and the ultrasound. However, I am still concerned and it is driving me crazy. Please provide me some guidance!

ANSWER:
Your symptoms don’t fit into a category and that is the problem with doctors. Though it doesn’t mean you are not suffering. But if the ultrasound abdomen & pelvis, blood tests etc are normal, you shouldn’t stress over it. Eat healthy and go for daily exercises to keep fit. You may suggest your doc to get CT done on brain, just to rule out things. Have a second opinion.
Good luck!

QUESTION:
Mild right lower back pain, day 32 no period, tubes tied, last week had pressure when I pee, What’s wrong?
Ok, last week all the sudden I felt a pressure in my vagina, almost felt like something was hanging down inside. It did not hurt, it was just weird. As the night went on, The pressure bothered me and I felt as if I had to urinate, I’d sit on the toliet, but the pressure was there but I wasnt peeing, or much at all- This continued through the next day, and then bad lower right side back pain started. I never had pain or burning when I went pee. Just a pressure for 1 day- I had no fever- I went to the drugstore and found a AZO kit and took it- It came back positive(UTI test)-so, I drank lots of cranberry juice and water- The pain in my lower back was still there. I started to take an antibiotic(Cephalexin)(some left overs from a friend-yeah, I know bad!!! But, our health Ins. ran out and I don’t have any til Sept-due to my husbands new job)anyhow , the back pain is still mild and there- I am done with what antibiotic I had, I am on day 32 with no period yet- Which I can go 28 to 36 days normally- I had my tubes tied 5 years ago durning my C-section. I question if I could be pregnant? I thougtht maybe a Kidney infection, bladder infection? But, my symtomns were soo strange and not common to those I’ve read about! Anyone offer some help? I have a Dr appt schedules for Sept 8, I will then have health ins. But, in the mean time, I am concerned, I worry about cancers? HELP!!!

ANSWER:
sounds like a pregnancy …. but i think the chances would be so slim.. thats how i felt when i got pregnant though… but then i had a stabbing like pain also..
cancer is also very scary.. i guess the only way is to go to a doc.. hopefully you will get some answers on your appt. its just so far away. you cant see anyone sooner?
check out this link….

QUESTION:
how bad is blood pressure 200/90?
i have diabetis, a liver transplant.. my kidneys were failing so they put a cathider in my chest, and i just recently got a fistula put in my right arm. i was on dialysis, and my doctor just informed me my kidneys came back & they stopped dialysis. a few days ago my bood pressure shot up & the doctor said it was my thyroids. but since then ive been extremely shaky & my blood pressure has been 200/90. i dont know whats wrong

ANSWER:

QUESTION:
Back pain since Febuary, new pains and pressure?
since febuary, ive been having lower back pain on my sides only
we thought it was my birth control, so we switched brands
that didnt help, we went to 3 doctors that said it was just a pulled muscle, im active but not that active, they gave me perscription advil of 600 mg, that did nothing
another doctor told me yoga, i tried, made it worse
one said PMDD, gave me naproxin/naproxen, it helped the first 2 times i took it
then stopped
i started taking 2 tylenol every chance i could, i helped for about 3 months, then stopped
my weight has been 159 for the past 5 years, which is normal, my weight isnt the problem
my mom refuses to take me to the doctor because “its just from being lazy”
i do just as much as she does, if not more
i got fired from my job a month ago, and dont have any money to take myself to the doctor
im tired of crying myself to sleep after rolling around for an hour trying to find a comfortable postition that doesnt cause pain
i cant even sit at a chair for more then an 10 minutes without pain striking up my back
resting doesnt help, moving doesnt help
it doesnt hurt more when pressed or more when i bend over
it just constantly hurts
ive been tested for infections and kidney failure
nothing showed up
ive been tested for kidney stones
negative
its not painful to pee either, though, i doubt this has to do anything with it, ive been really swollen for the past few weeks down there

just recently, it started to hurt when i breath in deep
and just tonight, it started to hurt on my lower left back, everytime i stepped with my right foot
and im swollen down there again, and i have that itchy burny feeling after i pee

the key for the picture is
red-the constant pressure
green-where it stings when i step
yellow, the area where the pain grows
purple- the area it hurts when i breath in deep
and 90% of the time i stand, i feel like my knees are going to give out and im going to collapse

ANSWER:
My advice See A Doctor.Simple.

QUESTION:
Chest pain, back pain, shortness of breath, high blood pressure, what could be causing this?
I’m over all a pretty health person, very rarely sick. 29 yr old female, mother of 3, ages 2, 6 & 10. Work full time but it’s a pretty relaxed job.
I was admitted to the hospital last week for chest pain & high blood pressure (225/112) had EKG & CT scan, as well as an ultrasound on my reital (kidney area) CT scan showed lower left lope (lung) had air sacs deflated & possible pnuemonia setting in. Ultrasound & EKG came back normal. When I had gone into the ER, the day I was admitted, I had pain that started in my Right arm 2 days prior causing some numbness in finger tips, than it moved to my back right below my shoulder blade (right side) everytime I coughed I couldn’t get a full cough out cause it shot pain across my shoulder blade area in my back. My chest felt like it was being squeezed & had an elephant sitting on it. I didn’t have a cold & kept coughing (partically) couldn’t get a full cough out. I was in the hospital for 2 days, had blood thinner several times & was sent home on bp meds & breathing treatments. And was told to keep track of my bp several times a day, til I have my follow up appt w/ my dr. in a week. (which is this Wed) I wake up feeling ok, but as the day goes on I feel worse. Today is the worse, I feel just like I did the day I was admitted to the hospital, minus arm pain. Now I have the squeezing/heaviness feeling in chest, pain going down my back, kinda on the side too, but on the right side again. I’m coughing again randomly but can’t get the whole cough out, when I take a deep breath & try to let it out, feels like it’s being cut off & I can’t get the cough out. Bp is 165/100 pulse 87. I’m thinking of calling my doctor in the mean time I wanted to see if anyone could give me any advice on what could be going on.

addition info: I never was told by any other dr that I had heart palatations & now was told this at my phyisical about a month ago.
I’m so scard it could be heart diease or something like that. Heart diease runs on fathers side.

ANSWER:
Well…your blood pressure is still pretty high,are you still taking any blood pressure medication they may have given to you when you were released from the hospital? Have you ever been told you had high blood pressure before you went to the ER? Your pulse is ok,but your blood pressure(if your taking medication for it) is still high,too high even without medication,ot with medication!!! And at your age…I would be somewhat concerned..If I were you…I would see what my blood pressure says within the next 12 hours.If it goes up any more…go back to the ER.You also shouldn’t have this kind of pain either.Just because you were in the hospital,doesn’t mean you are healed and free of any/all illnesses!! As for the blood thinners they gave you? This is now standard procedure..not to much to worry about with that! What you need to worry about is that high blood pressure…it should be reading 120/80…….especially at your young age.165/100 is too much.The next time you take your blood pressure? Make sure you take it when you are at a FULL RESTING STATE!!! Take it when your relaxed,then see what the reading is..If the reading is still high,just go back to the ER.I wouldn’t play around or sit around and wait until Wednesday.Make sure you tell ANY doctor that sees you about your family medical history.When at ANY ER…? Make sure you tell every single doctor the same family history/story!! You have NO idea how many times a doctor can over-see a simple mistake by simply leaving out a medical fact from your family history.So..make sure you tell every doctor about any/all family medicl history…Like heart disease,stroke..and so forth…Good luck and I hope everything works out for you.Keep up with those breathing treatments too…I see you ARE taking blood pressure meds(Sorry)…still too HIGH!! Again…hope all goes well….you should go back seeing how your still taking blood pressure medications and having this kind of pain like before and no relief.

QUESTION:
My back is hurting ?
My back is hurting in the lower middle of my back. I have never ached like this before. It’s not pain. It feels like there is a bag of sugar inside my back, just siting there putting pressure on my insides. It don’t feel like I pulled a muscle or sleep on it wrong. It just pressure. If I’m sitting up I don’t feel it much but when I’m laying down or walking I can feel it. I don’t know if it is my actual back or maybe my kidney’s or bladder or something. It acted up a month ago for about 3 days and now it’s back. what could it be?

ANSWER:
It could be pressure ………..are you getting close to starting? If not then try some stretches…………stand and bend and touch your toes and see if it feels tight. Your lower back muscles are attached to your glutes and if they get tense it will cause some serious pressure and pain in your lower middle back. If you have no other symptoms(fever, urgency) its probbaly not your kidneys.

QUESTION:
Sudden back pain and I can’t walk. Back Spasm or Kidney Stone?
I’m a single mom alone with my kids and about 30 minutes my back suddenly gave out. I started feeling intense pressure and burning in my mid back area. I went to lay down. I got up to try and see if it would go away and I had to lay on the floor for a few minutes and crawl back to bed. I don’t have a fever but if I move I feel the pain.

I don’t know if I need to call 911 or wait it out. My doctor told me last week I have kidney stones from the ct scan they need but I’ve never experienced any pain from it that I know of. I was just fine this morning.
I paged my doctor and she thought it was a back spasm. She told me to take a muscle relaxer and some Ibuprofen. Thankfully I still had a muscle relaxer. I took a nap and now I am able to at least get up and walk. I still feel sore and pain but nothing like before.

ANSWER:
You more than likely have a pinched muscle somewhere in your lower back. They can hurt like heck and they will be something to reckon with sooner or later so better sooner so you can get to having a good nights sleep so you will be prepared for your kids. Here is an easy way to release those muscles to get rid of that pain:
Back::
Place your left hand on your left leg next to your body. Place your right hand over your left shoulder and find the muscles next to your spine and press on them and hold. After 30 seconds slowly lower your body forward, keeping your left arm fairly straight as you do. When you reach your lap remain there for another 10 seconds, release the pressure but remain there for another 30 seconds. Then reverse your hand positions and do your right side.

QUESTION:
Is the slight pressure I’m feeling related to appendicitis or kidney problems?
I have slight pressure in my lower right abdomen. It’s not an excruciating, throbbing pain but just uncomfortable. It comes and goes and sometimes feels like it radiates or switches to my lower back on the right as well. Could this be a symptom of kidney or appendix problems?

ANSWER:

QUESTION:
What was causing the pain in my lower back?
Last night I had to leave work because I was developing a bad stomach ache and pain in the left of my lower back. I wondered if it was constipation at first but after a bowel movement the pain did not subside. It got worse as the night went on. I thought it might be gas but after I took gas x the pain continued to get worse. No matter how I stood, sat, or laid, the pain in my left lower back and stomach were unbearable. Around 3:30 in the morning I was in tears begging my parents to take me to the hospital because I thought I might have a kidney infection and I just wanted the pain to stop, but my mom gave me 4 advil and a heating pad to put on it and I finally got to sleep. It is the next morning now and I still feel pressure in my back. My mom thinks it was just gas but I am concerned. Should I call the doctor today to make sure it’s not my kidneys???